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| Author | Dr. Joe M Pace MD, M.Sc. |
| Abstract | The National Commission Persons with Disability (KNPD) keeps a register with information about the condition of disabled persons in Malta. A large part of the information is gathered using a questionnaire. The aim of this study was to review the National Disability Register with the intention of improving its effectiveness as a tool in decision making. A study of the current set-up of the register and the current measurement tools was carried out together with an analysis of the information already available. Interviews were held with members of staff and statistical analyses made of results and figures obtained. It was shown that the KNPD offers several services with adequate staffing levels since demand for them has reached a steady level. The hardware, network and software in use are adequate and secure; coding of questionnaires is not carried out because of an inadequate coding tool for the local scenario. The questionnaire used is lengthy and has several questions with differing formats; it is mainly self-administered. Comparisons of three studies carried out in 1994, 1999 and 2002 on data in the register show a steady demand for medical services but a decrease in demand for nursing services (5.3% less over 8 years). More people are receiving assistance in education, especially with extra teachers at school (9.5% more). Less people are requesting assistance for housing problems and less people are reported as employed and unemployed; there is a 1% rise in prevalence of disability in the population between 1994 and 2002 (as reported in the register) with a significant aging of the population in the register. The number of errors in the database is decreasing significantly. Changes are required in the questionnaire structure, method of administration and validation of data returned. Less data should be stored and retained; statistics available elsewhere should not be collected by the KNPD. The register is an effective tool for management and policy decisions. |
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| Key words | disability, National Commission Persons with Disability, questionnaire, registry |