Kate P Taylor1, Sandra C Thompson. 1. Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA 6531, Australia. kate.taylor@cucrh.uwa.edu.au
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although effective partnerships between Aboriginal and mainstream health services are critical to improve Aboriginal health outcomes, many factors can cause these partnerships to be tenuous and unproductive. Understanding the elements of best practice for successful partnerships is essential. METHODS: A literature review was conducted in 2009 using keyword searches of electronic databases. Sourced literature was assessed for relevance regarding the benefits, challenges, lessons learnt and factors contributing to successful Aboriginal and mainstream partnerships. Key themes were collated. RESULTS: Although there is much literature regarding general partnerships generally, few specifically examine Aboriginal and mainstream health service partnerships. Twenty-four sources were reviewed in detail. Benefits include broadening service capacity and improving the cultural security of healthcare. Challenges include the legacy of Australia's colonial history, different approaches to servicing clients and resource limitations. Recommendations for success include workshopping tensions early, building trust and leadership. CONCLUSION: Although successful partnerships are crucial to optimise Aboriginal health outcomes, failed collaborations risk inflaming sensitive Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal relationships. Factors supporting successful partnerships remind us to develop genuine, trusting relationships that are tangibly linked to the Aboriginal community. Failure to invest in this relational process and push forward with 'business as usual' can ultimately have negative ramifications on client outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Although effective partnerships between Aboriginal and mainstream health services are critical to improve Aboriginal health outcomes, many factors can cause these partnerships to be tenuous and unproductive. Understanding the elements of best practice for successful partnerships is essential. METHODS: A literature review was conducted in 2009 using keyword searches of electronic databases. Sourced literature was assessed for relevance regarding the benefits, challenges, lessons learnt and factors contributing to successful Aboriginal and mainstream partnerships. Key themes were collated. RESULTS: Although there is much literature regarding general partnerships generally, few specifically examine Aboriginal and mainstream health service partnerships. Twenty-four sources were reviewed in detail. Benefits include broadening service capacity and improving the cultural security of healthcare. Challenges include the legacy of Australia's colonial history, different approaches to servicing clients and resource limitations. Recommendations for success include workshopping tensions early, building trust and leadership. CONCLUSION: Although successful partnerships are crucial to optimise Aboriginal health outcomes, failed collaborations risk inflaming sensitive Aboriginal-non-Aboriginal relationships. Factors supporting successful partnerships remind us to develop genuine, trusting relationships that are tangibly linked to the Aboriginal community. Failure to invest in this relational process and push forward with 'business as usual' can ultimately have negative ramifications on client outcomes.
Authors: Angela Durey; Suzanne McEvoy; Val Swift-Otero; Kate Taylor; Judith Katzenellenbogen; Dawn Bessarab Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2016-07-07 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Leanne Pilkington; Margaret M Haigh; Angela Durey; Judith M Katzenellenbogen; Sandra C Thompson Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2017-09-11 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Emma V Taylor; Margaret M Haigh; Shaouli Shahid; Gail Garvey; Joan Cunningham; Sandra C Thompson Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2018-04-11 Impact factor: 3.390