Flinders University researchers have secured over $3.4 million in funding from the Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) to tackle critical healthcare barriers faced by people with intellectual disability-aiming to improve both access to services and long-term health outcomes.
People with intellectual disability face significantly poorer health outcomes, compounded by policies and systems that limit access to essential care.
Two new Flinders-led projects will address long-standing challenges in access to preventive healthcare including needle-based procedures and ageing-related support.
Dr Jessica Smith from the College of Medicine and Public Health will lead a team investigating 'Enhancing Access to Healthcare for People with Intellectual Disabilities: A Multi-tiered Sedation Model' with funding of $2.49 million to develop and trial a model that makes minor health procedures such as a blood test, more accessible for people with intellectual disabilities.
"Blood tests are essential for diagnosing and managing many health conditions, but for people with intellectual disability, past trauma, sensory considerations or distress can make them inaccessible. This research will explore tailored strategies-such as sensory adjustments or varied approaches and depths of sedation-to ensure people aren't missing out on vital medical testing and care like an immunisation that many of us take for granted," says Dr Smith.
Professor Kate Laver from the College of Nursing and Health Sciences has been awarded more than $910,000 to lead the project, 'From silos to synergy: Improving timely access to health services that support healthy ageing in people with intellectual disability'.
Aimed at addressing the healthcare needs of people with intellectual disability as they age, this project will analyse ageing trends, consult with communities, and assess existing healthcare data to develop policy recommendations that better support healthy ageing.
"People with intellectual disability often experience premature ageing, yet current policies don't reflect this reality. Drawing inspiration from Indigenous health models, our work seeks to set fairer age thresholds and clearer indicators for accessing vital care," says Professor Laver.
Flinders University's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), Professor Raymond Chan says that the success in securing MRFF funding reflects the vital, bold research being led by Flinders' world-class researchers.
"These research projects will make a tangible difference to the lives of Australians living with intellectual disability, as we work towards ensuring health care that is equitable, timely and inclusive," says Professor Chan.
The Australian Government's Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) provides funding to continue to support lifesaving research, create jobs, strengthen the local industry base for commercialising research and innovation, and further grow Australia's reputation as a world leader in medical research.
