Karmen Jobling1,2, Phyllis Lau3, Diane Kerr2, Rosemary O Higgins1, Marian U Worcester1,4, Lynnell Angus1,5, Alun C Jackson1,6, Barbara M Murphy1. 1. Heart Research Centre, Victoria. 2. Wurundjeri Tribe Land and Compensation Cultural Heritage Council, Victoria. 3. General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre, The University of Melbourne, Victoria. 4. Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Victoria. 5. Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Victoria. 6. Centre on Behavioural Health, University of Hong Kong.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To explore antecedents of health service engagement and experience among urban Aboriginal people with comorbid physical and mental health conditions. METHODS: Focus groups and interviews were conducted with Aboriginal people who had comorbid health conditions and were accessing Aboriginal and/or mainstream services. RESULTS: Nineteen participants, all women, were recruited. Participants' personal histories and prior experience of health services affected effective service utilisation. Participants' service experiences were characterised by long waiting times in the public health system and high healthcare staff turnover. Trusted professionals were able to act as brokers to other clinically and culturally competent practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Many urban Aboriginal women attended health services with multiple comorbid conditions including chronic disease and mental health issues. Several barriers and enablers were identified concerning the capacity of services to engage and effectively manage Aboriginal patients' conditions. IMPLICATIONS: Results indicate the need to explore strategies to improve health care utilisation by urban Aboriginal women.
OBJECTIVE: To explore antecedents of health service engagement and experience among urban Aboriginal people with comorbid physical and mental health conditions. METHODS: Focus groups and interviews were conducted with Aboriginal people who had comorbid health conditions and were accessing Aboriginal and/or mainstream services. RESULTS: Nineteen participants, all women, were recruited. Participants' personal histories and prior experience of health services affected effective service utilisation. Participants' service experiences were characterised by long waiting times in the public health system and high healthcare staff turnover. Trusted professionals were able to act as brokers to other clinically and culturally competent practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: Many urban Aboriginal women attended health services with multiple comorbid conditions including chronic disease and mental health issues. Several barriers and enablers were identified concerning the capacity of services to engage and effectively manage Aboriginal patients' conditions. IMPLICATIONS: Results indicate the need to explore strategies to improve health care utilisation by urban Aboriginal women.