Holistic primary health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prisoners: exploring the role of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Objective : Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) have been identified as having an important role in improving the health and wellbeing of individuals in prison; however, a lack of information exists on how to strengthen this role. This paper explores the experiences of ACCHO staff in primary health care to individuals inside or leaving prison. Methods : Nineteen staff from four ACCHOs were interviewed. ACCHO selection was informed by proximity to prisons, town size and/or Local Government Area offending rates. Thematic analysis of the interviews was undertaken. Results : While most ACCHOs had delivered post‐release programs, primary health care delivery to prisoners was limited. Three themes emerged: i) a lack of access to prisoners; ii) limited funding to provide services to prisoners; and iii) the need for a team approach to primary health care delivery. Conclusion : A holistic model of care underpinned by a reliable funding model (including access to certain Medicare items) and consistent access to prisoners could strengthen ACCHOs’ role in primary health care delivery to people inside or leaving prison. Implications for public health : ACCHOs have an important role to play in the delivery of primary health care to prisoners. Existing models of care for prisoners should be examined to explore how this can occur.     

The Experience of Urban Aboriginals with Health Care Services in Canada

Abstract

This exploratory study investigates the experience of Canadian Urban Aboriginal persons as consumers of health care services. Results highlight significant gaps in the training, skills, and knowledge of health care providers to optimally serve their Aboriginal patients. Also, several programs which are potentially most problematic for Aboriginal patients are identified. The discussion outlines important roles for hospital social workers in improving the care provided to urban Aboriginal patients.     

Optimising Hepatitis C care in an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care clinic

Objective: Describe the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) attending an urban Indigenous primary health clinic (IPHC) in Brisbane, Australia. Methods: A retrospective chart review of sociodemographic characteristics, presence of liver disease and treatments, lifestyle behaviours and comorbidities in patients with a HCV infection was conducted between October 2015 and March 2016. Results: One hundred and thirteen patients with confirmed HCV infection were aged between seven and 63 years; 66% were male, and 84% were Indigenous. Sixty‐nine per cent had been incarcerated; 41% had experienced conflict or domestic violence; 47% were injecting drugs; 72% had depression; and 61% had anxiety. Cirrhosis was present in 7/95 patients with adequate data and associated with age (p=0.02). Eleven patients had commenced direct acting antiviral (DAA) therapy in the 18 months that it had been available. Conclusions: The study highlights the opportunities for enhancing treatment of patients with HCV infection. Opportunities to improve treatment rates in an Indigenous primary healthcare include optimising diagnostic pathways, improving patient engagement, and general practitioner and peer worker participation. Implications for public health: HCV poses a serious threat to public health in Australia and IPHCs are key sites to addressing this for Indigenous people. Optimising care of patients with HCV attending IPHC requires recognition of the complex health needs and social context, to reduce the incidence and consequences of HCV infection.     

Chronic disease prevention programs offered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in New South Wales,Australia

Objectives : To identify and describe chronic disease prevention programs offered by Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods : ACCHSs were identified through the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW website. Chronic disease programs were identified from the Facebook page and website of each ACCHS. Characteristics, including regions, target population, condition, health behaviour, modality and program frequency were extracted and summarised. Results : We identified 128 chronic disease programs across 32 ACCHSs. Of these, 87 (68%) programs were broad in their scope, 20 (16%) targeted youth, three (2%) targeted Elders, 16 (12%) were for females only and five (4%) were for males only. Interventions included physical activity (77, 60%), diet and nutrition (74, 58%), smoking (70, 55%), and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Check (44, 34%), with 93 programs (73%) of ongoing duration. Conclusions : Chronic disease prevention programs address chronic conditions by promoting physical activity, diet and nutrition, smoking cessation and health screening. Most target the general Aboriginal community, a few target specific groups based on gender and age, and more than one‐quarter are time‐limited. Implications for public health : Chronic disease programs that are co‐produced with specific groups, based on age and gender, may be needed.     

发展社区卫生服务 提高健康保障水平

福州市作为沿海开放城市和全国综合改革试点城市,在深化医疗体制改革的过程中,进行了一些有益的探索,取得了较好的社会效益。     

Increasing community participation in an Aboriginal health service

Objective: To increase Aboriginal participation with mainstream health professionals in an Aboriginal health and well‐being centre. Design: Participatory Action Research using Aboriginal traditional symbolism to depict aspects of the research process, interview surveys and a document review. Setting: A regional town with 629 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents and a newly established Aboriginal health and well‐being centre (Nunyara). Participants: Thirty Aboriginal community members were interviewed about their involvement with Nunyara and their health issues. Participants were selected through purposive ‘pass‐me‐around’ sampling to ensure that all family groups were included. Results: The results are presented in two areas: the structure of the Aboriginal community that affects participation and community views about health issues. Aboriginal people living in the town come from 10 or more different language groups and relate almost exclusively within their own groups. Activities at Nunyara were seen as individual family group events and not for everyone. Aboriginal community participants had a broad view of health as they reported problems that included smoking and alcohol use. Almost all would like more involvement in health issues through Nunyara. Conclusion: Aboriginal community members are willing to get involved in health issues in collaboration with Nunyara. However, fundamental to increasing participation is to bring people together from different family groups and increase social cohesion. This can be done through developing relationships with groups enabling different points of view to be heard and valued.     

城市社区卫生服务网络研究

目的 :建立适合中国国情的城市社区卫生服务网络。方法 :采用文献与现场调查相结合的研究方法 ,并对江苏省南京市、无锡市及徐州市的卫生行政管理部门、社区卫生服务机构及社区卫生服务管理人员进行调查。结果 :作为一种新型的服务理念和服务模式 ,社区卫生服务对社区居民的健康保健产生了积极的促进作用 ,同时也对卫生服务体系的改革产生了深远的影响 ,但科学、合理的社区卫生服务网络体系有待进一步完善。结论 :建议通过资源重组、功能整合、政策支持等综合措施 ,逐步建立完善的社区卫生服务体系。     

Chlamydia sentinel surveillance in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services finds higher testing and positivity rates among younger people

Objective: To measure chlamydia testing and positivity rates among 16–39 year olds attending Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs). Methods: Retrospective non‐identifiable computerised records containing consultation and chlamydia testing data were collected for patients (16–39 years) attending eight ACCHSs during 2008–09 in urban, regional and remote settings for the Australian Collaboration for Chlamydia Enhanced Sentinel Surveillance (ACCESS) system. Annual chlamydia testing and positivity rates were estimated. Results: Over two years, 13,809 patients aged 16–39 years (57.8% female, 82.3% Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander) attended. The annual overall chlamydia testing rate was 13.0% (2008) and 16.0% (2009). Testing rates were higher among females (p<0.001) and among patients aged 16–29 than 30–39 years (males: p=0.01; females: p<0.001). Chlamydia positivity was 8.5% overall; similar in females (8.7%) and males (7.8%) (p=0.46); highest among 16–19 years (females: 17.4%; males: 13.0%), declining to 1.5% among females 35–39 years (p<0.001) and 4.8% among males 30–34 years (p<0.001). Conclusions: Chlamydia testing at these ACCHSs approached recommended levels among some patient groups, however, it should increase. High positivity among younger people highlights they should be targeted. Implications: Young people should be targeted for sexual health interventions. ACCHSs are well placed to provide enhanced sexual health services if appropriately resourced.     

基层医疗保健机构孕产妇保健服务利用现状与相关因素分析

目的 探究影响孕产妇利用保健服务的相关因素,并结合地区实际,提出了相关建议和措施.方法 对在我院进行保健服务的1558名孕产妇进行调查分析,结合实际情况用SPSS 18.0统计学软件进行系统分析.结果 文化程度、家庭年收入水平、居住地距离、职业和医保等因素对孕产妇保健服务利用影响较大;同时,在1 558名受访者中,接受孕前保健指导的比率相对较低,早孕检查、5次以上产检率和住院分娩率结果相对较高,说明近几年来孕产妇对保健服务利用的意识有所提高,但产后访视比例仅为21.76％,比例较低.结论 针对当前现状,研究认为,个人、基层医疗保健机构及卫生管理部门等各方应当分别在提高认识水平、提高服务水平及加强基层系统建设等方面进行改善,以提高孕产妇保健服务的利用,提高优生优育水平.     

吉林省儿童口腔健康素养及其保健行为现状分析

目的 了解吉林省儿童的口腔健康素养的掌握情况与行为的实施情况,为制定口腔保健干预提供科学依据。方法 整群抽取吉林省内8所学校一至五年级9 391名小学生,采用自行设计问卷进行调查。结果 口腔健康素养调查结果显示,在口腔保健知识中,使用含氟牙膏、更换牙刷时间和睡前刷牙的正确回答率分别为46.7%、70.3%和85.5%;口腔保健技能中,牙齿缝隙刷洗、牙齿表面刷洗及刷牙时间各为68.5%、64.7%和75.2%;口腔保健行为中,早晚都刷牙、睡前不吃东西和饭后漱口分别为77.5%、93.7%和84.6%。结论 吉林省儿童的口腔健康素养偏低,口腔保健行为有待于提高。学校、社区和家庭共同推动儿童健康促进,提高儿童口腔健康素养和保健行为,促进儿童口腔健康。     

发展社区卫生服务是实现医改目标的基础

过去30年,我国医疗卫生事业发展出现了一系列的矛盾和问题,如何实现卫生事业的健康发展,更有效地保护全体人群的健康权益,成为我国卫生事业改革的重要目标。从分析我国卫生改革不成功的原因入手,以及分析实现我国新医改"到2020年覆盖城乡居民的基本医疗卫生制度基本建立"目标的关键因素,探讨发展社区卫生服务与实现人人享有基本卫生保健之间的关系,通过分析,认为大力发展社区卫生服务是实现我国新医改目标的重要基础。     

Urban Aboriginal mobility in Canada: Examining the association with health care utilization

In recent decades, Indigenous peoples across the globe have become increasingly urbanized. Growing urbanization has been associated with high rates of geographic mobility between rural areas and cities, as well as within cities. In Canada, over 54 percent of Aboriginal peoples are urban and change their place of residence at a higher rate than the non-Aboriginal population. High rates of mobility may affect the delivery and use of health services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the association between urban Aboriginal peoples' mobility and conventional (physician/nurse) as well as traditional (traditional healer) health service use in two distinct Canadian cities: Toronto and Winnipeg. Using data from Statistics Canada's 2006 Aboriginal Peoples Survey, this analysis demonstrates that mobility is a significant predisposing correlate of health service use and that the impact of mobility on health care use varies by urban setting. In Toronto, urban newcomers were more likely to use a physician or nurse compared to long-term residents. This was in direct contrast to the effect of residency on physician and nurse use in Winnipeg. In Toronto, urban newcomers were less likely to use a traditional healer than long-term residents, indicating that traditional healing may represent an unmet health care need. The results demonstrate that distinct urban settings differentially influence patterns of health service utilization for mobile Aboriginal peoples. This has important implications for how health services are planned and delivered to urban Aboriginal movers on a local, and potentially global, scale.     

Chronic disease profiles in remote Aboriginal settings and implications for health services planning

Objective: To report the short-term experiences and outcomes of a program to support chronic disease management in three remote communities in Top End Northern Territory and in two Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) in Western Australia, and to discuss the implications of findings for health service delivery and policy.
Methods: Programs were health-worker centred. They espoused regular screening of all adults for chronic disease, initiation and modification of treatment where indicated and rigorous documentation. Process measures were documented and rates of hypertension, renal disease and diabetes among adults were calculated.
Results: Rates of hypertension, proteinuria and diabetes rose throughout adult life and multiple diagnoses were common. Most people with these conditions were young or middle age adults. Rates were uniformly excessive relative to AusDiab data, but varied greatly among settings. Adherence to protocols improved, many new diagnoses were made, treatments were started or modified and blood pressures in treated hypertensive people fell. In the NT, productivity was seriously limited by lack of health workers and their absenteeism. In the WA AMSs, executive and staff support carried the programs forward to a sustainable future, despite various challenges.
Conclusions: Integrated chronic disease testing must be repeated throughout adult life for timely diagnosis. Health workers can perform all tasks well, with appropriate supports. Blood pressure outcomes alone predict lower cardiovascular and renal mortality. The findings support incorporation of chronic disease into lifetime health care plans.     

Primary health care for Aboriginal women and children in the year after birth: findings from a population‐based study in South Australia

Objective: To investigate the extent to which Aboriginal women access primary care for themselves and their infant in the year after childbirth. Method: Cross sectional population‐based survey of women giving birth to Aboriginal babies in South Australia between July 2011 and June 2013. Results: A total of 344 women took part in the study 4–9 months after giving birth. The majority had seen a primary health care practitioner since the birth: 86% had seen a Child and Family Health Service (CaFHS) nurse, 81% a general practitioner (GP), and 61% an Aboriginal health worker (AHW). Women living in remote areas were more likely to have seen primary care practitioners than women living in Adelaide (GP: OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.0–5.2; CaFHS: OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.0–5.8; AHW: OR 5.2, 95% CI 2.8–9.8). Around 16% of women with gestational diabetes and 10% with hypertension had not seen a GP since the birth, and 24% of women who had a low birthweight infant had not seen a CaFHS nurse. Conclusions: Despite high prevalence of maternal and infant morbidity, a sizeable minority of women did not access primary care practitioners postpartum. Implications for public health: Stronger efforts are needed to ensure Aboriginal women and families receive appropriate postnatal follow‐up.