General practice utilization for adults with neurological disability who are National Disability Insurance Scheme Participants in Australia

Most adults with neurological disability rely on general practitioners for managing and preventing health complications. This study analysed patterns of general practice service utilisation among National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with neurological disability and compared these with the rest of the population (ROP). Results indicate a consistent pattern of high general practice service utilisation among adults with neurological disabilities wherein rates of clinic and general practitioner activities were approximately twice those of the ROP (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.87 to 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) range [1.67, 2.46]). Compared with the ROP, a slightly lower rate of accessing different general practice clinics was found for participants with cerebral palsy (IRR = 0.86, 95% CI [0.81, 0.91]) and a higher rate for participants with acquired brain injury (IRR = 1.06, 95% CI [1.01, 1.12]). Findings from this clinical and administrative health dataset provides a valuable foundation, indicating that adults with neurological disability in Australia use general practice services more frequently than the ROP. Investigating the factors that influence general practice service utilisation, as well as the quality and continuity of care experienced by adults with neurological disability, remains a critical area for future research.