The questions are common and well expected now!!  

It’s the transition to the new and unfamiliar language of the NDIS. It’s the frequently changing rules and templates that keep us on our toes.  

OTs who are super clever and experienced can find this change a little frustrating and a high level of support is needed for the successful transition to NDIS / private sector world.  

The problems are:  

• Being based rurally we are generalists! We see participants with lots of different disabilities and this can make the process more rewarding, challenging and exciting.  
• We work under 4 different funding bodies. The NDIS being the most unique, unfamiliar and new language that we have experienced in recent years. Working under a few different funding means:

• Different language for the same thing. An OT initial home visit can be called an ADL assessment, functional assessment or OT assessment. It is pretty much the same thing, but different language, different templates and different processes are required.  
• Keeping abreast of the different rules and guidelines. These do have many similarities across the funding bodies, but we still need to be up to date.  

Our solutions to support our newest clinicians include:  

• Regular scheduled time to work through assessment findings and how to marry that with funding body requirements has been a real help. The experienced OT completes a comprehensive assessment, provides a summary of OT needs and recommendations and we work through them to marry them up with the funding body requirement.
• We have developed loads of resources including a library of high-quality deidentified report examples, scenarios table (what options are in rare situations) and detailed report templates with loads of auto population on the requirements for the funding body.  
• We have streamlined the back end of our practice management software system so you cannot possibly use the wrong template for the wrong funding body! It’s impossible to bill the wrong code for the wrong funding body.

...and so much more!  

Fortunately, we are well versed in providing this…!!

We know what works...!!

Before we know it our new team mates are flying…..and loving it...!!

Conclusion:

The commitment to the ever changing funding body requirements is imperative to embrace and support your team with. Respecting the experienced clinician to conduct great assessments is crucial in building confidence. A multi facet approach with systems, templates, direct support, review of complex case studies and professional development is my ideal suggestion.  

How do you support the transition into the private world?  

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