Aboriginal health workers and diabetes care in remote community health centres: A mixed method analysis

Si, Damin, Bailie, Ross S., Togni, Samantha J., d'Abbs, Peter H. N. and Robinson, Gary W. (2006) Aboriginal health workers and diabetes care in remote community health centres: A mixed method analysis. Medical Journal of Australia, 185 1: 40-45.


Author Si, Damin
Bailie, Ross S.
Togni, Samantha J.
d'Abbs, Peter H. N.
Robinson, Gary W.
Title Aboriginal health workers and diabetes care in remote community health centres: A mixed method analysis
Journal name Medical Journal of Australia  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2006-07-03
Sub-type Article
Year available 2006
Volume number 185
Issue number 1
ISSN 0025-729X; 1326-5377
Start page 40
End page 45
Total pages 6
Place of publication Sydney, Australia
Publisher Australasian Medical Publishing
Language eng
Subject 110312 Nephrology and Urology
1117 Public Health and Health Services
111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
Abstract Objective: To assess the effect of employing Aboriginal health workers (AHWs) on delivery of diabetes care in remote community health centres, and to identify barriers related to AHWs’ involvement in diabetes and other chronic illness care. Design, setting and participants: Three-year follow-up study of 137 Aboriginal people with type 2 diabetes in seven remote community health centres in the Northern Territory. Main outcome measures: Delivery of guideline-scheduled diabetes services; intermediate outcomes (glycated haemoglobin [HbA1c] and blood pressure levels); number and sex of AHWs at health centres over time; barriers to AHWs’ involvement in chronic illness care. Results: There was a positive relationship between the number of AHWs per 1000 residents and delivery of guideline-scheduled diabetes services (but not intermediate health outcomes). Presence of male AHWs was associated with higher adherence to the guidelines. Barriers to AHWs’ involvement in chronic illness care included inadequate training, lack of clear role divisions, lack of stable relationships with non-Aboriginal staff, and high demands for acute care. Conclusions: Employing AHWs is independently associated with improved diabetes care in remote communities. AHWs have potentially important roles to play in chronic illness care, and service managers need to clearly define and support these roles.
Keyword Aborigines
Indigenous people
Australia
Health workers
Diabetes
Health
Centres
Remote
Community
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status Unknown

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Medicine Publications
 
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