Thinking beyond impairment: Recommendations from contemporary models of care for working with children and disability

The National Disability Insurance Scheme emphasises the use of models that move beyond an impairment focus to a holistic and individualised approach to disability. Application of specific biopsychosocial models supports general practitioners (GPs) to advance best practice in disability care within these schemes by meeting the complex care needs of their clients.

The aims of this article are to: 1) review current biopsychosocial models that underpin the health and functioning of children living with a disability in order to identify common elements of relevance to the paediatric sector, and 2) provide considerations for applying a biopsychosocial approach to paediatric care in practice.

A succinct summary of common concepts within biopsychosocial models used in the paediatric setting, and recommendations for how these models can be best applied in practice, are presented in this article. The GP plays a crucial part in initiating and supporting children and adolescents who have complex care needs. Understanding these key concepts is fundamental to this process.