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). pp. 40-45.

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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 [HbA(1c)] 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.

Item ID: 3695
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1326-5377
Keywords: Aboriginal; indigenous communities; diabetes; primary health care
Additional Information:

Reproduced with permission from the Medical Journal of Australia. 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). pp. 40-45. ISSN 1326-5377

Date Deposited: 27 Oct 2009 23:04
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111799 Public Health and Health Services not elsewhere classified @ 70%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111712 Health Promotion @ 30%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920399 Indigenous Health not elsewhere classified @ 100%
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