OBJECTIVE: Given the high prevalence of chronic disease, it is of concern that access to and sustained engagement with primary healthcare services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is often far lower than would be expected. This study sought to explore ways in which relationships can support sustained engagement with healthcare services. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 126 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants with and without chronic disease and 97 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous healthcare providers, healthcare service managers or administrative staff. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that when faced with acute health issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants did prioritise care, provided that the service was both physically and emotionally welcoming. Trustworthiness of healthcare providers and strong relationships with patients were the most important factors for encouraging sustained engagement overtime. CONCLUSIONS: Responsibility for sustaining relationships does not rest solely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Rather, healthcare providers need to commit to the process of building and maintaining relationships. IMPLICATIONS: First and foremost healthcare providers should take time to establish and then maintain relationships. Healthcare services can also contribute by ensuring facilities are welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
OBJECTIVE: Given the high prevalence of chronic disease, it is of concern that access to and sustained engagement with primary healthcare services by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians is often far lower than would be expected. This study sought to explore ways in which relationships can support sustained engagement with healthcare services. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 126 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants with and without chronic disease and 97 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous healthcare providers, healthcare service managers or administrative staff. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that when faced with acute health issues, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants did prioritise care, provided that the service was both physically and emotionally welcoming. Trustworthiness of healthcare providers and strong relationships with patients were the most important factors for encouraging sustained engagement overtime. CONCLUSIONS: Responsibility for sustaining relationships does not rest solely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. Rather, healthcare providers need to commit to the process of building and maintaining relationships. IMPLICATIONS: First and foremost healthcare providers should take time to establish and then maintain relationships. Healthcare services can also contribute by ensuring facilities are welcoming for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Authors: Carol Davy; Elaine Kite; Leda Sivak; Alex Brown; Timena Ahmat; Gary Brahim; Anna Dowling; Shaun Jacobson; Tania Kelly; Kaylene Kemp; Fiona Mitchell; Tina Newman; Margaret O'Brien; Jason Pitt; Kesha Roesch; Christine Saddler; Maida Stewart; Tiana Thomas Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-09-15 Impact factor: 2.655
Authors: Veronica Matthews; Christopher P Burgess; Christine Connors; Elizabeth Moore; David Peiris; David Scrimgeour; Sandra C Thompson; Sarah Larkins; Ross Bailie Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2017-09-04
Authors: Aideen M McInerney-Leo; Jennifer West; Bettina Meiser; Malcolm West; Matthew A Brown; Emma Duncan Journal: Front Genet Date: 2020-05-07 Impact factor: 4.599
Authors: Leda Sivak; Seth Westhead; Emmalene Richards; Stephen Atkinson; Jenna Richards; Harold Dare; Ghil'ad Zuckermann; Graham Gee; Michael Wright; Alan Rosen; Michael Walsh; Ngiare Brown; Alex Brown Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2019-10-15 Impact factor: 3.390