Authors:

Abstract

Currently there is limited understanding of how people living with severe and

persistent mental health issues use and experience the internet when searching

for information regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). This

study aimed to investigate what information mental health consumers want

about the NDIS and how they would find this online. A small exploratory

qualitative cross-sectional study was conducted using a naturalistic inquiry

approach. Brief semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data from

nine mental health consumers living in Hobart, Australia. Three emergent

themes were identified, (1) knowledge about the NDIS; (2) internet usage; and

(3) the importance of language. The findings highlighted that individuals

accessed NDIS information from a variety of sources with a preference for

obtaining information from people rather than the internet. Of those who had

searched online for NDIS related information, their level of understanding of the

scheme was quite limited suggesting that information provided online was not

adequately meeting their needs. More generally, participants reported difficulty

navigating NDIS literature due to language complexity. Participants also

reported confusion regarding specific aspects of the NDIS scheme and a

misunderstanding of the roles and functions of the NDIS and Centrelink. These

findings suggest that the information provided to potential NDIS psychosocial

participants does not meet their needs, and individuals want simple guidance

as to what the NDIS is, how it works, and what funding opportunities it offers

people. Access to clear and easy to understand information for mental health

consumers may support recovery via improved uptake of the NDIS.

Keywords: NDIS, mental health, recovery, internet, access, information