NIISQ Scheme Insights: Jul-Sep 2022

Overview

Welcome to the inaugural NIISQ Scheme Insights update. Moving forward, we will publish refreshed Scheme Insights close to the end of each quarter, in line with data availability.

If you have any questions about the information below, please contact us at niisqcommunications@niis.qld.gov.au.

*Please note, the data contained below is reflective of NIISQ motor vehicle accident participants only. For more information on how we assist those injured in work-related accidents, please click here.

Between July and September 2022, we:

  • Launched our enhanced Agency website. The project was co-designed to make the website accessible and to deliver an enhanced user experience for participants and stakeholders.
  • Commenced Quality and Safeguarding Framework projects, including the Positive Behaviour Support Framework, as well as complaints management and reportable incidents processes.
  • Launched the Agency’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan, which can be viewed here: Corporate publications – National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (niis.qld.gov.au)
  • Launched Moodle, the new Agency learning and development platform.
  • Continued delivery of prioritised initiatives, including the new MyPlanning/MyPlan tools, which will be used by Support Planners when conducting their initial assessment and goal planning with participants.
  • Continued our ongoing engagement with HHS representatives on various aspects of participant hospital discharge planning and transition to home and community.

In the next quarter, we will:

  • Finalise the Participant Engagement Framework, including the establishment of co-design initiatives to maximise engagement and feedback opportunities.
  • Go-live with the Agency’s new Procure-to-Pay system for support coordination, as well as commence work on implementation of the next service group.
  • Undertake the MyPlan project, which will review the delivery and utility of support plans for participants. This will align to the Procure to Pay system to provide seamless connection and enhance core functionalities of the Agency.
  • Host a Stakeholder Breakfast Forum to highlight and discuss Scheme performance. It will include representatives from insurers, lawyers, health practitioners, researchers and advocacy groups to enhance communication and explore further opportunities.
  • Finalise the draft Treatment, Care and Support Guidelines project and commence planning for consultation.
  • Commence development of our Innovation Roadmap.

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

Accepted participants

During the July-September 2022 quarter, lifetime accepted participants outnumbered interim participants for the first time. As the Scheme continues to mature and settle, it is expected that lifetime participant numbers will further exceed interim numbers by a greater margin.

Lifetime exited participants

All participants enter the Scheme for a period of two years and receive treatment, care and support funded by NIISQ to support their rehabilitation following their serious personal injury. After two years, NIISQ is required to reassess the participant’s eligibility to remain in the Scheme. 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.

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 at motor vehicle accident

We continue to note an overrepresentation of participants entering the Scheme as a result of motorcycle accidents.

Participant age and gender

Young males aged 16-30 continue to be the major cohort for NIISQ participation.

Participant age and injury type

When assessing the data, it is also worth noting that the TBI cohort is relatively younger in comparison to other injury types, such as spinal cord injury (SCI).

Participant location

While the majority of participants are located in the Greater Brisbane area, North Queensland is the next highest area by participant location.

Payments for Treatment, Care and Support (TCS)

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 Compulsory Third Party (CTP) 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 were the cause of the accident or not. For those participants who were not at fault, they may be eligible for a compulsory third party (CTP) claim in addition to NIISQ as part of their claim against the at-fault party. You can read more about the CTP process here.

Legal representation

Participants with a CTP claim who are eligible to take a lump sum (contributory negligence of less than 50% for the circumstances of the accident) opted in the following way at conference:

  • 18 participants were eligible and attended a settlement conference that resulted in a resolution
    • Of those 18 participants, 14 took a lump sum from both the insurer and NIISQ
    • 4 participants opted to take the insurer lump sum but decided to stay in NIISQ
14
elected lump sum exit
4
elected to remain in the scheme

Last updated: November 2023