Aims & Benefits - CodesignKit

The Angelman Syndrome Association and Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service have been developing co-design processes for more than twenty years. Out of this experience, and the Metro-Regional Intellectual Disability Network’s subsequent experience of extending specialist health services into regional New South Wales, a distinct set of aims and tangible benefits have emerged, which reinforce the value of co-design.

Aims

To create a framework whereby families and service providers can work together to achieve the best possible health outcomes;
To empower consumers through participation in design, implementation and review of services provided for them;
To define the needs and priorities of consumers, and tailoring services to suit;
To consider health and wellbeing within the wider context of the family and community;
To develop comprehensive multidisciplinary, integrated, interagency care systems;
To be innovative in improving access to services and maximising use of resources;
To determine future directions of health services through data collection and lived experience of consumers and providers.

Benefits for an Individual and their Family

Increased sense of being part of a supportive, inclusive, caring community;
Increased confidence to access all available care and support;
Increased satisfaction with care and support services;
Increased confidence in service quality and continuity of care;
Increased sense of optimism and control over their lives and futures;
Better understanding of care systems: their potential, capacity, strengths and weaknesses;
Long-term improvements in overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Benefits for Health and Other Service Providers

Greater insight into of the lives of those with complex health needs and disability;
Greater capacity to provide relevant, practical advice to these groups;
Improved relationships with consumers, including increased levels of trust and confidence;
More effective use of resources through prioritising what consumers want and need;
Reduced duplication of efforts between services and agencies, increased efficiency and efficacy through multidisciplinary, interagency, consumer-centred collaboration;
Increased morale within service teams as consumer experience is improved;
Increased capacity to deliver more sustainable, better quality health services;
Successful meeting of obligations to consumers established by state and federal governments to improve delivery of health care and related services.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2011). Patient-centred care: Improving quality and safety through partnerships with patients and consumers. ACSQHC, Sydney.
Ham C, Walsh N (2013). Making integrated care happen at scale and pace. Read more at The Kings Fund website.