scholarly journals 'Closing the Gap': How maternity services can contribute to reducing poor maternal infant health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Kildea ◽  
Sue Kruske ◽  
Lesley Barclay ◽  
Sally Tracy
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Maternity Services ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

Birthing on Country (in Our Community): a case study of engaging stakeholders and developing a best-practice Indigenous maternity service in an urban setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Kildea ◽  
Sophie Hickey ◽  
Carmel Nelson ◽  
Jody Currie ◽  
Adrian Carson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Maternity Care ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Urban Setting ◽  
World Cafe ◽  
Maternal And Infant Health ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Partnership Program

Developing high-quality and culturally responsive maternal and infant health services is a critical part of ‘closing the gap’ in health disparities between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other Australians. The National Maternity Services Plan led work that describes and recommends Birthing on Country best-practice maternity care adaptable from urban to very remote settings, yet few examples exist in Australia. This paper demonstrates Birthing on Country principles can be applied in the urban setting, presenting our experience establishing and developing a Birthing on Country partnership service model in Brisbane, Australia. An initial World Café workshop effectively engaged stakeholders, consumers and community members in service planning, resulting in a multiagency partnership program between a large inner city hospital and two local Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHS). The Birthing in Our Community program includes: 24/7 midwifery care in pregnancy to six weeks postnatal by a named midwife, supported by Indigenous health workers and a team coordinator; partnership with the ACCHS; oversight from a steering committee, including Indigenous governance; clinical and cultural supervision; monthly cultural education days; and support for Indigenous student midwives through cadetships and placement within the partnership. Three years in, the partnership program is proving successful with clients, as well as showing early signs of improved maternal and infant health outcomes. What is known about the topic? Birthing on Country has been described as a metaphor for the best start in life for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander babies, and services that incorporate Birthing on Country principles can improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Currently, few such models exist in Australia. What does this paper add? This paper demonstrates that Birthing on Country principles can be successfully applied to the urban context. We present a real case example of the experience of setting up one such best-practice, community-engaged and informed partnership model of maternity and child healthcare in south-east Queensland. We share our experience using a World Café to facilitate community engagement, service delivery and workforce planning. What are the implications for practitioners? Health professionals providing maternity care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families are encouraged to incorporate Birthing on Country principles into their model of care to address the specific needs and demands of the local Indigenous community and improve maternal and infant health outcomes.

scholarly journals Release of the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020-2025; the impacts for podiatry in Australia: a commentary

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
James M. Gerrard ◽  
Shirley Godwin ◽  
Vivienne Chuter ◽  
Shannon E. Munteanu ◽  
Matthew West ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
First Nations ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Collective Responsibility ◽  
Cultural Safety ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Torres Strait Islander Health ◽  
Safety Strategy

Abstract Background Developing since colonisation, Australia’s healthcare system has dismissed an ongoing and successful First Nations health paradigm in place for 60,000 years. From Captain James Cook documenting ‘very old’ First Nations Peoples being ‘far more happier than we Europeans’ and Governor Arthur Phillip naming Manly in admiration of the physical health of Gadigal men of the Eora Nation, to anthropologist Daisy Bates’ observation of First Nations Peoples living ‘into their eighties’ and having a higher life expectancy than Europeans; our healthcare system’s shameful cultural safety deficit has allowed for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child born in Australia today to expect to live 9 years less than a non-Indigenous child. Disproportionately negative healthcare outcomes including early onset diabetes-related foot disease and high rates of lower limb amputation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples contribute to this gross inequity. Main body In 2020, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Authority released the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy 2020–2025 - empowering all registered health practitioners within Australia to provide health care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples that is inclusive, respectful and safe, as judged by the recipient of care. This recently released strategy is critically important to the podiatry profession in Australia. As clinicians, researchers and educators we have a collective responsibility to engage with this strategy of cultural safety. This commentary defines cultural safety for podiatry and outlines the components of the strategy in the context of our profession. Discussion considers the impact of the strategy on podiatry. It identifies mechanisms for podiatrists in all settings to facilitate safer practice, thereby advancing healthcare to produce more equitable outcomes. Conclusion Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples access health services more frequently and have better health outcomes where provision of care is culturally safe. By engaging with the National Scheme’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Cultural Safety Strategy, all registered podiatrists in Australia can contribute to achieving equity in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

Closing the Gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Youth Suicide: A Social-Emotional Wellbeing Service Innovation Project

2017 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delaney Michael Skerrett ◽  
Mandy Gibson ◽  
Leilani Darwin ◽  
Suzie Lewis ◽  
Rahm Rallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Youth Suicide ◽  
Emotional Wellbeing ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Innovation Project ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

scholarly journals Self-management programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples with chronic conditions: A rapid review

2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-123
Author(s):  
Ellie Moore ◽  
Sharon Lawn ◽  
Candice Oster ◽  
Andrea Morello
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Condition ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Rigorous Evaluation ◽  
Cultural Appropriateness ◽  
Evidence Summary ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

Objectives Review the evidence for the effectiveness of chronic condition self-management programs applied to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. Methods A rapid review methodology was followed to develop an evidence summary from peer-reviewed and grey literature. Results Only seven peer-reviewed studies were identified. The evidence indicated that group programs, particularly the Stanford Program, and structured individual chronic condition self-management programs were of good quality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, although these need to be integrated into practice in order to see the greatest benefits. The Flinders Program showed promise as a standardised program with content designed specifically with and for these populations. Numerous grey literature sources were identified, many using strong participatory approaches developed locally within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. However, few of these programs have been subject to rigorous evaluation. Discussion Despite the significant focus on chronic condition self-management programs to help address the burden of disease for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, few studies exist that have been properly evaluated. The Closing the Gap Principles developed by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare offer important guidance for how to proceed to maximise engagement, cultural appropriateness and ownership of program initiatives.

scholarly journals Culturally safe and sustainable solution for Closing the Gap-registered patients discharging from a tertiary public hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 200
Author(s):  
Scott Mitchell ◽  
Hayley Michael ◽  
Stephanie Highden-Smith ◽  
Vivian Bryce ◽  
Sean Grugan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Continuity Of Care ◽  
Public Hospital ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Cardiac Care ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

This case study describes the development, implementation and review of a sustainable and culturally sensitive procedure for a hospital-funded discharge medicine subsidy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients registered with the Closing the Gap (CTG) program discharging from a public hospital. A 7-day fully subsidised medication supply was approved to be offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients admitted under cardiac care teams, including cardiology and cardiothoracic surgery patients. Patients were offered the option of a 7-day supply free of cost to them or a full Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) supply if preferred. A general practitioner (GP) appointment was organised within 7 days of discharge to ensure patients received ongoing supply of their medications as well as timely clinical review after discharge. Over a 34-month period from September 2015 to June 2018, 535 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients were admitted to the hospital under cardiac care teams. Of these patients, 296 received a subsidised discharge medication supply with a total cost of A$6314.56 to the hospital over the trial period, with a mean cost of A$21.26 per discharge. The provision of subsidised medications through the CTG program has improved the continuity of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The culturally sensitive approach is well received and has allowed smooth transition back to the community. This site-specific and state-based funding model was found to be financially sustainable at a public hospital. What is known about the topic?The CTG PBS program is not applicable to discharge prescriptions from public hospitals. As such, patients are required to either leave the hospital with no medicines or leave the hospital with medicines for which they have to pay full PBS price. This creates a huge financial barrier to the care for CTG-registered patients in the acute care setting. What does this paper add?A sustainable solution to the problem was found via a state-funded model while providing a supportive team to ensure GP follow-up and continuity of care after discharge. What are the implications for practitioners?If similar approvals are granted and supported at other public hospital sites, practitioners will be afforded one less barrier to provide patient-centred care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

scholarly journals Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Cardiovascular Disease Health Outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: A Scoping Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 4084
Author(s):  
Bobby Porykali ◽  
Alyse Davies ◽  
Cassandra Brooks ◽  
Hannah Melville ◽  
Margaret Allman-Farinelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Indigenous Research ◽  
Quality Appraisal ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Nutrition Programs ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
Appraisal Tool

Nutrition interventions can support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This review examines nutritional interventions aiming to improve CVD outcomes and appraises peer-reviewed interventions using an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. Five electronic databases and grey literature were searched, applying no time limit. Two reviewers completed the screening, data extraction and quality assessment independently. The study quality was assessed using the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute and the Centre of Research Excellence in Aboriginal Chronic Disease Knowledge Translation and Exchange Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT). Twenty-one nutrition programs were included in this review. Twelve reported on anthropometric measurements, ten on biochemical and/or hematological measurements and sixteen on other outcome domains. Most programs reported improvements in measurable CVD risk factors, including reduced body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), weight, blood pressure and improved lipid profiles. Most programs performed well at community engagement and capacity strengthening, but many lacked the inclusion of Indigenous research paradigms, governance and strengths-based approaches. This review highlights the need for contemporary nutrition programs aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes to include additional key cultural components.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of Ear Nose and Throat outreach programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Gotis-Graham ◽  
Rona Macniven ◽  
Kelvin Kong ◽  
Kylie Gwynne
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
List Type ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Outreach Programs ◽  
Outreach Services ◽  
Torres Strait ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nose And Throat ◽  
Improve Health

AbstractBackgroundAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience a higher prevalence of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) diseases than non-Indigenous children. Many programs exist that aim to prevent and treat these diseases. Culturally appropriate and timely specialist outreach services may help improve access, service use, and outcomes but there has been a lack of rigorous evaluation of ENT outreach programs to date.ObjectiveTo examine the ability of ENT outreach programs to improve health outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopleMethodsWe performed a systematic literature search of nine databases (Medline, CINAHLS, PsychINFO, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, Global health, Informit Rural health database and Indigenous collection) and grey literature sources for primary studies evaluating ENT outreach services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Two authors independently evaluated the eligible articles and extracted relevant information.ResultsOf the 506 studies identified, 15 were included in this review. These 15 studies evaluated eight different programs/activities. Studies were heterogeneous in design so a meta-analysis could not be conducted. Seven studies measured health-related outcomes in middle ear or hearing status; six reported overall positive changes one reported no clinically significant improvements. Five programs/activities and their corresponding studies involved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and organisations in delivery and evaluation, but involvement in program or study design was unclear.ConclusionWhile some studies demonstrated improved outcomes, the overall ability of ENT programs/activities to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children is unclear. The impact of ENT outreach may be limited by a lack of evidence quality, a lack of coordination of services, and the provision of potentially unsustainable services. Improvements in the quality of evidence, service coordination and sustainability would likely improve health outcomes.Strengths and limitations of this studyStudies were identification based on a clearly defined and extensive search strategy based on a priori inclusion and exclusion criteriaStudy appraisal was performed using a relevant tool for mixed methods studiesThe involvement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in all aspects of programs and their evaluation was examinedPROSPERO registration numberCRD42019134757

scholarly journals Getting A Job

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bronwyn Fredericks
Keyword(s):  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Indigenous People ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Torres Strait Islander People ◽  
Aboriginal Women ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Indigenous Participation ◽  
Torres Strait

Indigenous participation in employment has long been seen as an indicator of Indigenous economic participation in Australia. Researchers have linked participation in employment to improved health outcomes, increased education levels and greater self-esteem. There has been a dramatic increase in the number of Indigenous workforce policies and employment strategies as employers and industries attempt to employ more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Coupled with this has been a push to employ more Indigenous people in specific sectors to address the multiple layers of disadvantage experienced by Indigenous people, for example, the health sector. This paper draws on interview discussions with Aboriginal women in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, along with findings from the research of others to offer a greater understanding of the mixed benefits of increased Indigenous employment. What is demonstrated is that the nature of Indigenous employment is complex and not as simple as ‘just getting a job’.

scholarly journals Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education

2012 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 50-52
Author(s):  
David Singh
Keyword(s):  
Student Outcomes ◽  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Indigenous Australians ◽  
Australian Government ◽  
Education Systems ◽  
Indigenous Children ◽  
Australian Education ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait

Australian education systems have long been challenged by the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous student outcomes. All levels of Australian government, as well as Indigenous leaders and educators, however, continue to meet the challenge through exhortation, strategies and targets. The most prominent of such strategies is ‘Closing the Gap’, which gives practical expression to the Australian Government’s commitment to measurably improving the lives of Indigenous Australians, especially Indigenous children.

Closing the Gap: Examining how the problem of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disadvantage is represented in policy

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Dawson ◽  
Martha Augoustinos ◽  
David Sjoberg ◽  
Kootsy Canuto ◽  
Karen Glover ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Torres Strait Islander ◽  
Closing The Gap ◽  
Torres Strait
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