Page 42 - MDS final deliverable

2. COMMUNICATION WITH FAMILY/CARERS
Parents have a strong influence on program decisions but most of them feel like they don’t have enough interaction and communication with MDS staff. Keeping the parents close can help increase referrals and repeat uptake of MDS services. MDS can increase the satisfaction of families if it aims to have a consistent approach to all participants and keep communications open with families.
4. IMPLEMENT HANDOVERS WITH FAMILIES
Have handovers with families when there is any significant change in their child’s care, including when staff members leave. This ensures family members feel they are kept in the loop of the care of their family members, increasing their satisfaction with MDS.
5. ESTABLISH A FAMILY/CARER SUPPORT GROUP
MDS can establish a family/carer group support where family members can meet up with MDS staff to clarify any questions they may have regarding their participants care. Regular meet up’s with parents can provide a safe space for parents to interact, socialise and share their opinions in a closed forum and any pain points can be addressed from the onset. Being able to interact with other individuals who are experiencing the same things as them can be a big support and help them feel less overwhelmed.
6. PROVIDE A LIST OF RECOMMENDED SUPPLIERS
Parents and family members often have a hard time identifying efficient and reliable suppliers. MDS can provide an up-to-date list of suppliers and practitioners who are recommended by MDS to ensure they continue to build up their reputation as a trusted service provider for their participants families.
7. INDIVIDUAL COMMUNICATION AGREEMENTS
Have individual communication agreements with families/carers (i.e. let me know if/when...) to tailor their MDS experiences and ensure there is no miscommunication or misalignment. This will help develop communication and relationship between staff and family members.
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