NIISQ Scheme Insights: Jan-Mar 2024
Overview
This quarter we focused on engaging with our stakeholders, which has allowed us to foster stronger relationships and improve our service delivery to participants.
If you have any questions about this information, please contact niisqcommunications@niis.qld.gov.au.
The data contained below reflects NIISQ participants who were injured in motor vehicle accidents. For more information on how we assist people injured in work-related accidents, view our page on Work related accidents.
Highlights
Between January and March 2024, we:
- completed a staged rollout of MyNIISQ, our participant portal designed to provide easier access to reimbursements for treatment, care and support for a greater number of participants
- piloted hard copies of our SMART card project, which aims to assist participants in goal setting and achievement
- finalised our draft strategic and operational plans for 2024/25
- reviewed and updated the NIISQ Research and grants priority setting and framework
- commenced a research partnership with the Jamieson Trauma Institute (funded by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission and Metro North HHS) around harnessing goal data
- sponsored the Australian Lawyers Alliance (ALA) QLD State Conference to promote NIISQ externally
- continued exploring a range of innovative ways to improve participant service delivery and funding for services.
On the horizon
Between April and June 2024, we will:
- hold our fourth Participant Reference Group meeting to continue engagement with Scheme participants and to receive feedback on existing services and proposed initiatives
- run the 2024 participant survey, in conjunction with research marketing group Enhance Research to collect information on participants’ experience with NIISQ
- join the Queensland Brain Injury Collaborative (QBIC) for our inaugural traumatic brain injury regional awareness sessions in Townsville. A health service-focused session with local clinicians and GPs will be held, along with a community focused event for people with lived experience of brain injury, their carers, family and support networks
- finalise the Goal analysis project, aiming to provide better understanding of trends and focus areas for NIISQ participants in relation to the goals they set and achieve
- commence transformation work to facilitate safe and secure MyNIISQ portal access by external parties, including participants and service providers.
Stay in the loop
To stay informed:
Explore our graphs below to learn more about NIISQ’s current participant cohort.
Tip: When viewing this report on a smaller screen, click the labels on our graphs to view them at a larger size.
Participants
Applications received
When the NIISQ Agency receives an application to join the scheme, we review the application to determine eligibility. Between January and March 2024, we received 28 applications, accepted 18 (on an interim basis), did not accept 5, and had 5 applicants pending decision.
Exited participants
People with eligible injuries enter the scheme as interim participants for up to two years and receive treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ to support their rehabilitation. During this period, we review the participant’s eligibility to remain in the scheme on a lifetime basis or to exit the scheme for various reasons.
Lifetime exited participants
For some participants, the treatment, care and support they have received has been effective in supporting a recovery that means they no longer meet the threshold for a serious personal injury that requires lifetime funding. After their lifetime eligibility assessment, 8 participants exited the scheme last quarter as a result of the treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ.
Lump sum exited participants
Participants who are eligible for lifetime funding might be eligible for a compulsory third party (CTP) insurance claim as well as NIISQ as part of their claim against the at-fault party. By taking a lump sum from both the CTP insurer and NIISQ, 4 participants exited the scheme last quarter.
Active participants
In terms of the current (active) participants in NIISQ, the number of lifetime participants continued to increase as expected.
Injury type
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) continues to be the main injury type for the NIISQ participant cohort, regardless of location or demographic differences.
Participant role in motor vehicle accident
The Scheme supports a range of participants who were injured in various circumstances on Queensland roads.
Participant age and gender
Young males aged 16-30 continue to be the major cohort for NIISQ participation.
Participant age and injury type
The cohort of participants with traumatic brain injury is relatively younger in comparison to other injury types, such as spinal cord injury.
Geographical profile
While the majority of participants reside in the Greater Brisbane area, North Queensland is the next highest area by geographical profile.
Payments for treatment, care and support
Payments by service type
More than 50% of service payments made on behalf of participants are for attendant, care and support which reflects the care and respite that is necessary for people with serious personal injuries.
Legal services and claims
Participant with CTP insurance claims
NIISQ is a no-fault Scheme, which means people seriously injured in motor vehicle accidents may be eligible for treatment, care and support regardless of whether they caused the accident. For participants who were not at fault, they may be eligible for a CTP insurance claim in addition to NIISQ. Around 40% of NIISQ participants also had a CTP insurance claim.
Lump sum eligibility
Participants with a CTP insurance claim who are eligible to take a lump sum opted in the following way at conference:
- 57 participants have settled their CTP insurance claim.
- Of those 57 participants, 47 accepted a lump sum from both the insurer and NIISQ.
- 10 participants opted to take the insurer lump sum but decided to stay in NIISQ.
Last updated: May 2024