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Yadav UN, Davis JM, Bennett-Brook K, Coombes J, Wyber R, Pearson O. A rapid review to inform the policy and practice for the implementation of chronic disease prevention and management programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in primary care. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:34. [PMID: 38509612 PMCID: PMC10956197 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 35% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults live with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. There is a pressing need for chronic disease prevention and management among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Therefore, this review aimed to synthesise a decade of contemporary evidence to understand the barriers and enablers of chronic disease prevention and management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with a view to developing policy and practice recommendations. METHODS We systematically searched for peer-reviewed published articles between January 2014 to March 2023 where the search was performed using subject headings and keywords related to "Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," "Chronic Disease," and "Primary Health Care". Quality assessment for all included studies was conducted using the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. The data were extracted and summarised using a conventional content analysis approach and applying strength-based approaches. RESULTS Database searches identified 1653 articles where 26 met inclusion criteria. Studies varied in quality, primarily reporting on 14 criteria of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool. We identified six key domains of enablers and barriers of chronic disease prevention and management programs and implied a range of policy and practice options for improvement. These include culturally acceptable and safe services, patient-provider partnerships, chronic disease workforce, primary health care service attributes, clinical care pathways, and accessibility to primary health care services. This review also identified the need to address social and cultural determinants of health, develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous chronic disease workforce, support multidisciplinary teams through strengthening clinical care pathways, and engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in chronic disease prevention and management program design and delivery. CONCLUSION Enabling place-based partnerships to develop contextual evidence-guided strategies that align with community priorities and aspirations, with the provision of funding mechanisms and models of care through policy and practice reforms will strengthen the chronic disease prevention and management program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uday Narayan Yadav
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | | | | | - Rosemary Wyber
- National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Odette Pearson
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Weaver E, Freeman N, Mack S, Titmuss A, Dowler J, Corpus S, Hyatt T, Ellis E, Sanderson C, Connors C, Moore E, Silver B, Azzopardi P, Maple-Brown L, Kirkham R. "I Don't Really Know What Diabetes Is": A Qualitative Study Exploring the Experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Young People Aged 10 to 25 Years Living With Type 2 Diabetes in Northern and Central Australia. Can J Diabetes 2022; 46:S1499-2671(22)00095-8. [PMID: 35963668 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2022.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our aim in this study was to gain an understanding of the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 10 to 25 years with type 2 diabetes (T2D) living in Northern and Central Australia. METHODS In this qualitative study we explored participants' experiences of T2D using a social constructionist epistemology and a phenomenologic methodology. Twenty-seven young people participated in semistructured in-depth interviews from 4 primary health-care sites. RESULTS Three major constructs emerged. Young people experienced a normalisation-shame paradox in response to their diagnosis (partly related to that "everyone has diabetes," as well as the fear that friends "might judge [me]"), had suboptimal levels of understanding of T2D ("I don't really know what diabetes is. I just need somebody to explain to me a bit more") and experienced multiple barriers inhibiting their T2D management. These included complex lives ("I have a rheumatic heart disease […] then they told me that I have diabetes…I have two things") and the availability of support ("[I] talk to my mum…I talk to my aunty too…I don't talk to anyone else"). Successful management requires support from health professionals and family and includes strengthening social networks and educational opportunities. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reinforce the need for alternative support systems tailored to the specific needs of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with T2D. Enhanced models of care must be codesigned with young people and their communities and include a focus on shifting norms and expectations about youth T2D to reduce diabetes stigma and broaden social support and consider the delivery of health information in youth-friendly environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Weaver
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia.
| | - Natasha Freeman
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Shiree Mack
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Angela Titmuss
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, Division of Women, Children and Youth, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - James Dowler
- Department of Paediatrics, Alice Springs Hospital, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Sumaria Corpus
- Danila Dilba Health Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; Endocrine Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Teresa Hyatt
- Population and Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Elna Ellis
- Department of Medicine, Alice Springs Hospital, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Cheryl Sanderson
- Danila Dilba Health Services, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance Northern Territory, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Christine Connors
- Population and Primary Health Care, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Department of Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Moore
- Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance Northern Territory, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Bronwyn Silver
- Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Peter Azzopardi
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Unit, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Louise Maple-Brown
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; Endocrine Department, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Renae Kirkham
- Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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Carlisle K, Matthews Quandamooka V, Redman-MacLaren M, Vine K, Turner Anmatyerre/Jaru NN, Felton-Busch Yangkaal/Gangalidda C, Taylor J, Thompson S, Whaleboat Meriam Le D, Larkins S. A qualitative exploration of priorities for quality improvement amongst Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care services. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:431. [PMID: 33957914 PMCID: PMC8101223 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06383-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Achieving quality improvement in primary care is a challenge worldwide, with substantial gaps between best practice and actual practice. Within the context of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Primary Health Care (PHC) services have great variation across settings, structures and context. Research has highlighted how these contextual differences can critically influence the success of Quality Improvement (QI) interventions and outcomes. Less understood is the interaction between local context and other factors, which may impact the implementation of QI interventions. This paper aims to explore the strengths and challenges in QI for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services and their priorities for improvement. Methods A multiple case study design was adopted, working with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services in Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. Data were collected via a health service survey, semi-structured interviews with health service staff and service users and researcher observations, to explore QI and perceptions of care quality at the service level. Data reported here were analysed using an iterative thematic technique, within-case and across-case. Results A total of 135 interviews were conducted with health service staff, service users and community members. Participants emphasised the centrality of resilient community, committed workforce and valued Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team members in delivering care. A shared purpose around improving the health of community was a significant driver. Key challenges included staff turnover and shortages, a complex and overwhelming acute and chronic care workload, building relationships and trust between health services and the community. Service-suggested priority areas for improvement were categorised into five themes: i) cultural safety (community driving health and planning for culturally safe services); ii) community engagement (through clinical activities in the community); iii) shared ownership and a team approach around QI; iv) strengthening systems and consistent ways of doing things in the health service; and v) strengthening local workforce (and resources for a culturally safe workforce). Conclusions These findings advance understandings of relational, community and cultural factors which are identified priorities for the delivery of quality care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services across varied contexts. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06383-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Carlisle
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia. .,Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia.
| | | | - Michelle Redman-MacLaren
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Cairns, Nguma-bada Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Kristina Vine
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Catrina Felton-Busch Yangkaal/Gangalidda
- Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia.,Murtupuni Centre for Rural & Remote Health, James Cook University, Mt Isa, QLD, Australia
| | - Judy Taylor
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia.,Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Thompson
- Western Australia Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Donald Whaleboat Meriam Le
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarah Larkins
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia.,Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Bebegu Yumba Campus, QLD, Australia
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Straw S, Spry E, Yanawana L, Matsumoto V, Cox D, Cox E, Singleton S, Houston N, Scott L, Marley JV. Understanding lived experiences of Aboriginal people with type 2 diabetes living in remote Kimberley communities: diabetes, it don't come and go, it stays! Aust J Prim Health 2020; 25:486-494. [PMID: 31586501 DOI: 10.1071/py19021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of Kimberley Aboriginal people with type 2 diabetes managed by remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services using phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interviews formulated by Aboriginal Health Workers, researchers and other clinicians were used to obtain qualitative data from 13 adult Aboriginal patients with type 2 diabetes managed in two remote communities in the Kimberley. Together with expert opinion from local Aboriginal Health Workers and clinicians, the information was used to develop strategies to improve diabetes management. Of 915 regular adult patients in the two communities, 27% had type 2 diabetes; 83% with glycated haemoglobin A >10%. Key qualitative themes included: the need for culturally relevant education and pictorial resources; importance of continuous therapeutic relationships with healthcare staff; lifestyle management advice that takes into account local and cultural factors; and the involvement of Aboriginal community members and families in support roles. Recommendations to improve diabetes management in the remote communities have been made collaboratively with community input. This study provides a framework for culturally relevant recommendations to assist patients with diabetes, for collaborative research, and for communication among patients, Aboriginal Health Workers, community members, researchers and other clinicians. Interventions based on recommendations from this study will be the focus of further collaborative research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Straw
- Kimberley Regional Physician Team, Western Australia Country Health Service, PO Box 62, Broome, WA 6725, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Erica Spry
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia; and The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Louie Yanawana
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Vaughan Matsumoto
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Denetta Cox
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Erica Cox
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Sally Singleton
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia; and The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Naomi Houston
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Lydia Scott
- Kimberley Regional Physician Team, Western Australia Country Health Service, PO Box 62, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
| | - Julia V Marley
- Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Ltd, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia; and The Rural Clinical School of Western Australia, The University of Western Australia, PO Box 1377, Broome, WA 6725, Australia
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Allotey P, Tan DT, Kirby T, Tan LH. Community Engagement in Support of Moving Toward Universal Health Coverage. Health Syst Reform 2020; 5:66-77. [PMID: 30924744 DOI: 10.1080/23288604.2018.1541497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Community engagement describes a complex political process with dynamic negotiation and renegotiation of power and authority between providers and recipients of health care in order to achieve a shared goal of universal health care coverage. Though examples exist of community engagement projects, there is very little guidance on how to implement and embed community engagement as a concerted, integrated, strategic, and sustained component of health systems. Through a series of case studies, this article explores the factors that enable community engagement particularly with a direct impact on health systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascale Allotey
- a UN University International Institute for Global Health UNU-IIGH , Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - David T Tan
- a UN University International Institute for Global Health UNU-IIGH , Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Thomas Kirby
- a UN University International Institute for Global Health UNU-IIGH , Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Liza Haslan Tan
- a UN University International Institute for Global Health UNU-IIGH , Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
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Bradley K, Smith R, Hughson JA, Atkinson D, Bessarab D, Flicker L, Radford K, Smith K, Strivens E, Thompson S, Blackberry I, LoGiudice D. Let's CHAT (community health approaches to) dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:208. [PMID: 32164678 PMCID: PMC7069169 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Documented rates of dementia and cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is 3-5 times higher than the rest of the population, and current evidence suggests this condition is under-diagnosed and under-managed in a clinical primary care setting. This study aims to implement and evaluate a culturally responsive best practice model of care to optimise the detection and management of people with cognitive impairment and/or dementia, and to improve the quality of life of carers and older Aboriginal and Torres Islander Peoples with cognitive impairment. METHODS/DESIGN The prospective study will use a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial design working with 12 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across four states of Australia. Utilising a co-design approach, health system adaptations will be implemented including (i) development of a best practice guide for cognitive impairment and dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (ii) education programs for health professionals supported by local champions and (iii) development of decision support systems for local medical software. In addition, the study will utilise a knowledge translation framework, the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (iPARIHS) Framework, to promote long-term sustainable practice change. Process evaluation will also be undertaken to measure the quality, fidelity and contextual influences on the outcomes of the implementation. The primary outcome measures will be rates of documentation of dementia and CIND, and evidence of improved management of dementia and CIND among older Indigenous peoples attending Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care services through health system changes. The secondary outcomes will be improvements to the quality of life of older Indigenous peoples with dementia and CIND, as well as that of their carers and families. DISCUSSION The Let's CHAT Dementia project will co-design, implement and evaluate a culturally responsive best practice model of care embedded within current Indigenous primary health care. The best practice model of care has the potential to optimise the timely detection (especially in the early stages) and improve the ongoing management of people with dementia or cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12618001485224. Date of registration: 04 of September 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Bradley
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Robyn Smith
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Jo-anne Hughson
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - David Atkinson
- The University of Western Australia, Rural Clinical School of Western Australia , PO Box 1377, Broome, 6725 Australia
| | - Dawn Bessarab
- The University of Western Australia, M303, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009 Australia
| | - Leon Flicker
- The University of Western Australia, Rural Clinical School of Western Australia , PO Box 1377, Broome, 6725 Australia
| | - Kylie Radford
- Neuroscience Research Australia, 139 Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia
- The School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Kate Smith
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009 Australia
| | | | - Sandra Thompson
- The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton, WA 6530 Australia
| | | | - Dina LoGiudice
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
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Hu J, Basit T, Nelson A, Crawford E, Turner L. Does attending Work It Out - a chronic disease self-management program - affect the use of other health services by urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with or at risk of chronic disease? A comparison between program participants and non-participants. Aust J Prim Health 2019; 25:464-470. [PMID: 31186088 DOI: 10.1071/py18089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Work It Out is a holistic chronic disease self-management program for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Queensland, which is part of an integrated and comprehensive system of care for chronic disease management. This study examines differences in primary healthcare services use between Work It Out participants and non-participants. This retrospective observational study of services use, analysed data extracted from the clinical medical records system and Work It Out program assessments. General practitioner and allied health services use were compared among the participants and non-participants using logistic regression models and zero-truncated Poisson and negative binomial regression models. Compared with non-participants, Work It Out participants were more likely to use GP management plans, GP team care arrangements, GP mental health consultation and subsequent allied health services. Among those who used the services more than once, Work It Out participants had higher service use rates than non-participants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health assessments, GP management plans, team care arrangements and podiatry, physiotherapy and dietetic services. Engagement in Work It Out can facilitate the use of primary healthcare services, which are important for chronic disease management for urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Hu
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Brisbane, Qld 4030, Australia
| | - Tabinda Basit
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Brisbane, Qld 4030, Australia
| | - Alison Nelson
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Brisbane, Qld 4030, Australia; and The University of Queensland, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, 31 Upland Road, St Lucia, Qld 4067, Australia; and Corresponding author.
| | - Emma Crawford
- The University of Queensland, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, Services Road, St Lucia, Qld 4072, Australia
| | - Lyle Turner
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Brisbane, Qld 4030, Australia
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Gardner K, Sibthorpe B, Chan M, Sargent G, Dowden M, McAullay D. Implementation of continuous quality improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care in Australia: a scoping systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:541. [PMID: 29996836 PMCID: PMC6042325 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3308-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) programs have been taken up widely by Indigenous primary health care (PHC) services in Australia and there has been national policy commitment to support this. However, international evidence shows that implementing CQI is challenging, impacts are variable and little is known about the factors that impede or enhance effectiveness. A scoping review was undertaken to explore uptake and implementation in Indigenous PHC, including barriers and enablers to embedding CQI in routine practice. We provide guidance on how research and evaluation might be intensified to support implementation. METHODS Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Key websites and publications were handsearched. Studies conducted in Indigenous PHC which demonstrated some combination of CQI characteristics and assessed some aspect of implementation were included. A two stage analysis was undertaken. Stage 1 identified the breadth and focus of literature. Stage 2 investigated barriers and enablers. The Framework for Performance Assessment in PHC (2008) was used to frame the analysis. Data were extracted on the study type, approach, timeframes, CQI strategies, barriers and enablers. RESULTS Sixty articles were included in Stage 1 and 21 in Stage 2. Barriers to implementing CQI processes relate primarily to professional and organisational processes and operate at multiple levels (individual, team, service, health system) whereas barriers to improved care relate more directly to knowledge of best practice and team processes that facilitate appropriate care. Few studies described implementation timeframes, number of CQI cycles or improvement strategies implemented and only two applied a change theory. CONCLUSION Investigating barriers and enablers that modify implementation and impacts of CQI poses conceptual and methodological challenges. More complete description of CQI processes, implementation strategies, and barriers and enablers could enhance capacity for comparisons across settings and contribute to better understanding of key success factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Gardner
- Public Service Research Group, Business School, UNSW Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Mier Chan
- Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Ginny Sargent
- Research, Evaluation and Public Health Nutrition Section, Population Health Division, Health Improvement Branch, ACT Health, Canberra, ACT 260 Australia
| | - Michelle Dowden
- One Disease, Menzies Building, RDH Campus, Rocklands Drive, Tiwi, NT 0810 Australia
| | - Daniel McAullay
- Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University, 2 Bradford St, Mount Lawley, WA 6050 Australia
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Sibthorpe B, Gardner K, Chan M, Dowden M, Sargent G, McAullay D. Impacts of continuous quality improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander primary health care in Australia. J Health Organ Manag 2018; 32:545-571. [PMID: 29969347 DOI: 10.1108/jhom-02-2018-0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Continuous quality improvement (CQI) programmes have been taken up widely by indigenous primary health care services in Australia, but as yet there has not been a systematic assessment of their focus and achievements. A scoping review of the literature from studies of CQI in indigenous primary health care services was undertaken to explore impacts on service systems, care and client outcomes with the aim of providing guidance on future evaluation efforts. The paper aims to discuss these issues, Design/methodology/approach Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to December 2016 and handsearching of key websites and publications. Studies of CQI programs or activities in Indigenous primary health care services which demonstrated some combination of CQI characteristics, as described by Rubenstein (2013) were included. A two-stage approach to analysis was undertaken. Stage 1 identified the range and scope of literature, and Stage 2 investigated impacts to service systems, care and client outcomes. The Framework for Performance Assessment in Primary Health Care was used to frame the Stage 2 analysis. Findings The majority of Aboriginal community controlled health services have been involved in CQI but there are gaps in knowledge about uptake in general practice and government clinics. There are as many baseline studies as studies on impacts over time. Of the 14 studies included for further analysis, 6 reported on impacts on service systems; all 14 reported on impacts on care and 6 on client outcomes. Changes to services systems are variable and studies of impacts on care and client outcomes show promising though uneven improvements. There are no economic studies or studies addressing community engagement in CQI activities. Research limitations/implications To supplement existing limited knowledge about which service system change strategies are effective and sustainable for which problems in which settings, there needs to be investment in research and development. Research needs to be grounded in the realities of service delivery and contribute to the development of CQI capacity at the service level. Knowledge translation needs to be built into implementation to ensure maximum benefit to those endeavouring on a daily basis to constantly reflect on and improve the quality of the care they deliver to clients, and to the stewardship structures supporting services at regional, state/territory and national levels. Practical implications Improved approaches, methods, data capture and reporting arrangements are needed to enhance existing activity and to ensure maximum benefit to services endeavouring to reflect on and improve quality of care and to the stewardship structure supporting services at regional, state/territory and national levels. Originality/value Although there is a growing body of research evidence about CQI both nationally and internationally, and considerable investment by the federal government in Australia to support CQI as part of routine practice, there has not been a systematic assessment of the achievements of CQI in Indigenous primary health care services. Many unanswered questions remain about the extent of uptake, implementation and impacts. This is a barrier to future investment and regional and local programme design, monitoring and evaluation. The authors conducted a scoping review to address these questions. From this, the authors draw conclusions about the state of knowledge in Australia with a view to informing how future CQI research and evaluation might be intensified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Karen Gardner
- Centre for Public Service Research, School of Business, University of New South Wales Canberra at ADFA , Canberra, Australia
| | - Mier Chan
- Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University , Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Ginny Sargent
- Australian National University , Canberra, Australia
| | - Dan McAullay
- Kurongkurl Katitjin, Edith Cowan University , Mount Lawley, Australia
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Hunt K, Stiller K. Dietetic and educational interventions improve clinical outcomes of diabetic and obese clients with mental impairment. Nutr Diet 2017; 74:236-242. [PMID: 28731608 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietetic and educational interventions provided to clients with type 2 diabetes (with or without obesity) or obesity-only residing in supported residential facilities and characterised by mental impairment. METHODS A retrospective audit involving the retrieval of information from medical records and databases was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietetic and educational interventions. Clinical outcomes were weight, body mass index and glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. RESULTS A total of 91 clients were included, 47 with type 2 diabetes (with or without obesity) and 44 with obesity-only. All but one had schizophrenia, an intellectual disability or another psychological condition. After interventions, the diabetic subgroup demonstrated significant decreases in weight (mean [SD] initial = 101.5 [20.7], final = 97.8 [20.6] kg, P = 0.001) and body mass index (mean [SD] initial = 35.8 [8.1], final = 34.4 [7.8] kg/m2 , P = 0.001) and a non-significant decrease in HbA1c over time. The obesity-only subgroup showed no significant change in outcomes. Factors significantly negatively impacting at least one outcome included the presence of schizophrenia (P ≤ 0.017) and refusal of intervention(s) (P ≤ 0.048), whereas a significant positive impact was seen for a greater total number of visits to a dietitian or diabetes educator (P ≤ 0.024). CONCLUSIONS These results provide evidence to support the effectiveness of dietetic and educational interventions for this vulnerable client group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Hunt
- Supported Residential Facilities Health Access Team, Sefton Park Primary Health Care Services, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kathy Stiller
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Cunningham FC, Ferguson-Hill S, Matthews V, Bailie R. Leveraging quality improvement through use of the Systems Assessment Tool in Indigenous primary health care services: a mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:583. [PMID: 27756295 PMCID: PMC5070177 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1810-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Assessment of the quality of primary health care health delivery systems is a vital part of continuous quality improvement (CQI) processes. The Systems Assessment Tool (SAT) was designed to support Indigenous PHC services in assessing and improving their health care systems. It was based on the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care scale, and on practical experience with applying systems assessments in quality improvement in Indigenous primary health care. We describe the development and application of the SAT, report on a survey to assess the utility of the SAT and review the use of the SAT in other CQI research programs. Methods The mixed methods approach involved a review of documents and internal reports relating to experience with use of the SAT since its development in 2002 and a survey of key informants on their experience with using the SAT. Results The paper drew from documents and internal reports to describe the SAT development and application in primary health care services from 2002 to 2014. Survey feedback highlighted the benefit to the whole primary health care team from participating in the SAT, bringing to light issues that might not emerge with separate individual tool completion. A majority of respondents reported changes in their health centres as a result of using the SAT. Good organisational and management support assisted with ensuring allocation of time and resources for SAT conduct. Respondents identified the importance of having a skilled, external facilitator. Conclusions Originally designed as a measurement tool, the SAT rapidly evolved to become an important development tool, assisting teams in learning about primary health care system functioning, applying best practice and contributing to team strengthening. It is valued by primary health care centres as a lever in implementing improvements to strengthen centre delivery systems, and has potential for further adaptation and wider application in Australia and internationally. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1810-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances C Cunningham
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Spring Hill, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.
| | - Sue Ferguson-Hill
- National Centre for Quality Improvement in Indigenous Primary Health Care, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Spring Hill, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Veronica Matthews
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Spring Hill, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Ross Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Zorbas H, Elston J. Sharing the challenge of cancer control for Indigenous Australians: a national agenda. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2016; 25:222-4. [PMID: 26918686 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H Zorbas
- Cancer Australia, Strawberry Hills, NSW, Australia
| | - J Elston
- Indigenous Education and Strategy, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld, Australia
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13
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Knight KM, Kenny A, Endacott R. Gaps in governance: protective mechanisms used by nurse leaders when policy and practice are misaligned. BMC Health Serv Res 2015; 15:145. [PMID: 25884686 PMCID: PMC4396727 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-0827-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to large geographical distances, the telephone is central to enabling rural Australian communities to access care from their local health service. While there is a history of rural nurses providing care via the telephone, it has been a highly controversial practice that is not routinely documented and little is known about how the practice is governed. The lack of knowledge regarding governance extends to the role of Directors of Nursing as clinical leaders charged with the responsibility of ensuring practice safety, quality, regulation and risk management. The purpose of this study was to identify clinical governance processes related to managing telephone presentations, and to explore Directors of Nursing perceptions of processes and clinical practices related to the management of telephone presentations to health services in rural Victoria, Australia. METHODS Qualitative documentary analysis and semi structured interviews were used in the study to examine the content of health service policies and explore the perceptions of Directors of Nursing in eight rural health services regarding policy content and enactment when people telephone rural health services for care. Participants were purposively selected for their knowledge and leadership role in governance processes and clinical practice. Data from the interviews were analysed using framework analysis. The process of analysis resulted in the identification of five themes. RESULTS The majority of policies reviewed provided little guidance for managing telephone presentations. The Directors of Nursing perceived policy content and enactment to be largely inadequate. When organisational structures failed to provide appropriate governance for the context, the Directors of Nursing engaged in protective mechanisms to support rural nurses who manage telephone presentations. CONCLUSIONS Rural Directors of Nursing employed intuitive behaviours to protect rural nurses practicing within a clinical governance context that is inadequate for the complexities of the environment. Protective mechanisms provided indicators of clinical leadership and governance effectiveness, which may assist rural nurse leaders to strengthen quality and safe care by unlocking the potential of intuitive behaviours. Kanter's theory of structural power provides a way of conceptualising these protective mechanisms, illustrating how rural nurse leaders enact power.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaye M Knight
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, VIC, Australia.
| | - Amanda Kenny
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Bendigo, VIC, Australia.
| | - Ruth Endacott
- Centre for Health and Social Care Innovation, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth UK & Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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