1
|
McCormack H, Wand H, Bourne C, Ward J, Bradley C, Mak D, Guy R. Integrating testing for sexually transmissible infections into annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people: a cross-sectional analysis. Sex Health 2023; 20:488-496. [PMID: 37690512 DOI: 10.1071/sh23107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of an expanding syphilis epidemic, we assessed the integration of sexually transmissible infection (STI) testing within annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged 16-29years in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services between 2018 and 2020. METHODS Using routinely collected electronic medical record data from a national sentinel surveillance system (ATLAS), we performed a cross-sectional analysis to calculate the proportion of assessments that integrated any or all of the tests for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV. We used logistic regression to identify correlates of integration of any STI test. RESULTS Of the 13 892 assessments, 23.8% (95% CI 23.1, 24.6) integrated a test for any STI and 11.5% (95% CI 10.9, 12.0) included all four STIs. Of assessments that included a chlamydia/gonorrhoea test, 66.9% concurrently included a syphilis test. Integration of any STI test was associated with patients aged 20-24years (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.1-1.4) and 25-29years (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.0-1.2) compared to 16-19years and patients residing in very remote (OR 4.2, 95% CI 3.7-4.8), remote (OR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1-2.8), and regional areas (OR 2.5, 95% CI 2.2-2.8) compared to metropolitan areas. There was no association with patient sex. CONCLUSIONS Integration of STI testing into annual health assessments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people was higher in remote areas where disease burden is greatest. Integration is similar in men and women, which contrasts with most studies that have found higher testing in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCormack
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and NSW STI Programs Unit, Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Handan Wand
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher Bourne
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and NSW STI Programs Unit, Centre for Population Health, NSW Ministry of Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia; and Sydney Sexual Health Centre, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Ward
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Clare Bradley
- UQ Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia
| | - Donna Mak
- Department of Health, East Perth, WA, Australia; and School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Rebecca Guy
- Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Patel J, Durey A, Naoum S, Kruger E, Slack-Smith L. A scoping review to inform the use of continuous quality improvement in Australian Aboriginal oral health care. AUST HEALTH REV 2022; 46:478-484. [PMID: 35831033 DOI: 10.1071/ah21394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
ObjectiveThe need to improve existing services to Aboriginal communities is prioritised by Australia's National Oral Health Plan. Although only an emerging area in dentistry, continuous quality improvement (CQI) approaches have positively impacted the delivery of primary health services to Aboriginal communities. This scoping review maps the applicability of CQI strategies to Aboriginal Australian oral healthcare services.MethodsA scoping review was conducted and studies that reported using CQI approaches to improve existing oral health services or quality of care deemed relevant to Aboriginal Australian communities were included.ResultsA total of 73 articles were retrieved and eight articles were included in the final synthesis. Several CQI tools were identified, including: plan-do-study-act cycles, dental quality alliance measures, prioritisation matrices, causal mapping and the use of collective impact methodology.ConclusionData exploring CQI in the context of Aboriginal oral health is scarce. The plan-do-study-act cycle and its variations show potential applicability to Aboriginal oral health care. However, for CQI approaches to be adequately implemented, the prevailing model of dental care requires a paradigm shift from quality assurance to quality improvement, acknowledging the impact of structural and process elements on care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jilen Patel
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia; and Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Angela Durey
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Steven Naoum
- Dental School, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Estie Kruger
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, WA, Australia
| | - Linda Slack-Smith
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
McCormack H, Guy R, Bourne C, Newman CE. Integrating testing for sexually transmissible infections into routine primary care for Aboriginal young people: a strengths-based qualitative analysis. Aust N Z J Public Health 2022; 46:370-376. [PMID: 35238454 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper examines factors that enabled successful integration of testing for sexually transmissible infections into routine care in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. METHODS This paper reports analysis of qualitative interview data recorded with 19 purposively sampled key informants in New South Wales, Australia, representing six Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and five government health bodies supporting those services. The analysis explicitly adopted a strengths-based approach. RESULTS Participants reported a strong belief that routine screening overcomes shame and increases engagement with sexual health screening. Incorporating sexual health screening into general medical consultations increases the capture of asymptomatic cases. The Medicare Benefits Schedule 715 Adult Health Check was highlighted as an ideal lever for effective integration into routine care. CONCLUSION Integration of testing for sexually transmissible infections into routine care is widely perceived as best practice by senior stakeholders in Aboriginal healthcare in NSW. Findings support continued work to optimise the MBS 715 as a lever to increase testing. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Identifying accessible strategies to increase testing for sexually transmissible infections in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services can reduce disparities in notifications affecting Aboriginal young people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather McCormack
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales
- NSW STI Programs Unit, Centre for Population Health, New South Wales Health
| | - Rebecca Guy
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales
| | - Christopher Bourne
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales
- NSW STI Programs Unit, Centre for Population Health, New South Wales Health
- Sydney Sexual Health Centre, New South Wales
| | - Christy E Newman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
McBride K, Nguyen J, Dowling A, Howard NJ, Franks C, Hillier S, Wade V, King V, Rigney J, Burton N, Mitchell JA, Nicholls SJ, Paquet C, Brown A. A systematic review on assessment and management of preventive cardiovascular care in primary health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men. Aust J Prim Health 2022; 28:179-199. [PMID: 35393010 DOI: 10.1071/py21219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In promoting positive cardiovascular health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, there is a need to ensure provision of high-quality risk assessment and management in primary healthcare settings. There is some evidence of gender gaps for Australian women in the provision of cardiovascular risk assessment and management; however, there is little understanding of whether these gaps are also present for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. A mixed-method systematic review was utilised to synthesise existing evidence on the provision of assessment and management against guideline-recommended care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, and determine whether gender disparities in provision of care exist for this population. Sixteen studies that report gender-specific data indicate there are significant gaps in the provision of assessment and management for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and men alike. There is no evidence of incorporation of social and emotional wellbeing into cardiovascular care and limited studies outlining the assessment and management of behaviours and factors that may be protective of cardiovascular health. Furthermore, little is known about the provision of care in mainstream primary health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharine McBride
- Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jayden Nguyen
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Anna Dowling
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia; and Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group
| | - Natasha J Howard
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Christine Franks
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group
| | - Susan Hillier
- Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Vicki Wade
- Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group; and Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina, NT 0811, Australia
| | - Veronica King
- Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group; and Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
| | | | - Nyunmiti Burton
- Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group; and Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara Women's Council, Alice Springs, NT 0870, Australia
| | - Julie Anne Mitchell
- Aboriginal Women'¿s Advisory Group; and The Heart Foundation of Australia, Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011, Australia
| | - Stephen J Nicholls
- Victorian Heart Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Vic. 3168, Australia
| | - Catherine Paquet
- Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Faculté des Sciences de l'Administration, Université Laval, Québec, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Alex Brown
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia; and Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Redman-MacLaren M, Turner Anmatyerre/Jaru NN, Taylor J, Laycock A, Vine K, Thompson Gurindji Q, Larkins S, Carlisle K, Thompson S, Bailie R, Matthews Quandamooka V. Respect Is Central: A Critical Review of Implementation Frameworks for Continuous Quality Improvement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Services. Front Public Health 2021; 9:630611. [PMID: 34336752 PMCID: PMC8322579 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.630611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary health care (PHC) services are complex systems, shaped by an interplay of factors at individual, organisational and broader system levels. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services, closer relationships with the people they serve, local knowledge of community, and cultural awareness are critical. Continuous quality improvement (CQI) has proven to be an effective process for identification of priority issues in health care delivery and for instigating the design, implementation and evaluation of improvement interventions in these settings. However, wide-scale variation in care quality persists partly due to the mismatch between CQI interventions and context. Methods: This critical review of implementation frameworks for CQI in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care was conducted in two phases: (1) a review of primary published implementation frameworks used in PHC contexts, and (2) a comparison of key features of these frameworks with quality concepts identified by high-improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services in remote Australia. Results: We found nine primary implementation frameworks previously used in PHC contexts guiding interventions within and between macro (broader contextual) level; meso (health service) level; and micro (community and inter-personal) level systems. There was commonality between these frameworks and key quality concepts in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC. However, none of the frameworks covered all concepts with rare consideration of communities driving health improvement, two-way learning (integrating cultural knowledge into healthcare provision), and caring staff-engendering trusting relationships with community enacted through respect. Conclusion: Respect, as a secret essence, privileges the importance of culture, and is an essential element of CQI implementation frameworks for positive change in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services. It is essential to work with communities to design workforce models that grow a caring stable workforce to ensure improvements in quality of care that are effective for their context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Judy Taylor
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, OLD, Australia
| | - Alison Laycock
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | - Kristina Vine
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, OLD, Australia
| | | | - Sarah Larkins
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, OLD, Australia
| | - Karen Carlisle
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, OLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Thompson
- Western Australia Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Geraldton, WA, Australia
| | - Ross Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brodie T, Pearson O, Cantley L, Cooper P, Westhead S, Brown A, Howard NJ. Strengthening approaches to respond to the social and emotional well-being needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: the Cultural Pathways Program. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2021; 22:e35. [PMID: 34184630 PMCID: PMC8278791 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423621000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander holistic health represents the interconnection of social, emotional, spiritual and cultural factors on health and well-being. Social factors (education, employment, housing, transport, food and financial security) are internationally described and recognised as the social determinants of health. The social determinants of health are estimated to contribute to 34% of the overall burden of disease experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Primary health care services currently 'do what it takes' to address social and emotional well-being needs, including the social determinants of health, and require culturally relevant tools and processes for implementing coordinated and holistic responses. Drawing upon a research-setting pilot program, this manuscript outlines key elements encapsulating a strengths-based approach aimed at addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander holistic social and emotional well-being.The Cultural Pathways Program is a response to community identified needs, designed and led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and informed by holistic views of health. The program aims to identify holistic needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the starting point to act on the social determinants of health. Facilitators implement strengths-based practice to identify social and cultural needs (e.g. cultural and community connection, food and financial security, housing, mental health, transport), engage in a goal setting process and broker connections with social and health services. An integrated culturally appropriate clinical supervision model enhances delivery of the program through reflective practice and shared decision making. These embedded approaches enable continuous review and improvement from a program and participant perspective. A developmental evaluation underpins program implementation and the proposed culturally relevant elements could be further tailored for delivery within primary health care services as part of routine care to strengthen systematic identification and response to social and emotional well-being needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Brodie
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Odette Pearson
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Luke Cantley
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Social Work Innovation Research Living Space, College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Peita Cooper
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Seth Westhead
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Alex Brown
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Natasha J Howard
- Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bailie J, Laycock A, Matthews V, Bailie RS. Increasing health assessments for people living with an intellectual disability: lessons from experience of Indigenous-specific health assessments. Med J Aust 2021; 215:16-18.e1. [PMID: 34080698 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jodie Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW
| | - Alison Laycock
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW
| | - Ross S Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, Lismore, NSW
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bradley K, Smith R, Hughson JA, Atkinson D, Bessarab D, Flicker L, Radford K, Smith K, Strivens E, Thompson S, Blackberry I, LoGiudice D. Let's CHAT (community health approaches to) dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: protocol for a stepped wedge cluster randomised controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:208. [PMID: 32164678 PMCID: PMC7069169 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-4985-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Documented rates of dementia and cognitive impairment not dementia (CIND) in older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is 3-5 times higher than the rest of the population, and current evidence suggests this condition is under-diagnosed and under-managed in a clinical primary care setting. This study aims to implement and evaluate a culturally responsive best practice model of care to optimise the detection and management of people with cognitive impairment and/or dementia, and to improve the quality of life of carers and older Aboriginal and Torres Islander Peoples with cognitive impairment. METHODS/DESIGN The prospective study will use a stepped-wedge cluster randomised controlled trial design working with 12 Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) across four states of Australia. Utilising a co-design approach, health system adaptations will be implemented including (i) development of a best practice guide for cognitive impairment and dementia in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities (ii) education programs for health professionals supported by local champions and (iii) development of decision support systems for local medical software. In addition, the study will utilise a knowledge translation framework, the Integrated Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (iPARIHS) Framework, to promote long-term sustainable practice change. Process evaluation will also be undertaken to measure the quality, fidelity and contextual influences on the outcomes of the implementation. The primary outcome measures will be rates of documentation of dementia and CIND, and evidence of improved management of dementia and CIND among older Indigenous peoples attending Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care services through health system changes. The secondary outcomes will be improvements to the quality of life of older Indigenous peoples with dementia and CIND, as well as that of their carers and families. DISCUSSION The Let's CHAT Dementia project will co-design, implement and evaluate a culturally responsive best practice model of care embedded within current Indigenous primary health care. The best practice model of care has the potential to optimise the timely detection (especially in the early stages) and improve the ongoing management of people with dementia or cognitive impairment. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12618001485224. Date of registration: 04 of September 2019.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Bradley
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Robyn Smith
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - Jo-anne Hughson
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| | - David Atkinson
- The University of Western Australia, Rural Clinical School of Western Australia , PO Box 1377, Broome, 6725 Australia
| | - Dawn Bessarab
- The University of Western Australia, M303, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009 Australia
| | - Leon Flicker
- The University of Western Australia, Rural Clinical School of Western Australia , PO Box 1377, Broome, 6725 Australia
| | - Kylie Radford
- Neuroscience Research Australia, 139 Barker Street, Sydney, NSW 2031 Australia
- The School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | - Kate Smith
- University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, 6009 Australia
| | | | - Sandra Thompson
- The University of Western Australia, 167 Fitzgerald St, Geraldton, WA 6530 Australia
| | | | - Dina LoGiudice
- The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus, Administration Building 21, 34 -54 Poplar Road, Melbourne, Victoria 3052 Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Diaz A, Vo B, Baade PD, Matthews V, Nattabi B, Bailie J, Whop LJ, Bailie R, Garvey G. Service Level Factors Associated with Cervical Screening in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Centres in Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16193630. [PMID: 31569670 PMCID: PMC6801551 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have significantly higher cervical cancer incidence and mortality than other Australian women. In this study, we assessed the documented delivery of cervical screening for women attending Indigenous Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across Australia and identified service-level factors associated with between-centre variation in screening coverage. We analysed 3801 clinical audit records for PHC clients aged 20–64 years from 135 Indigenous PHC centres participating in the Audit for Best Practice in Chronic Disease (ABCD) continuous quality improvement (CQI) program across five Australian states/territories during 2005 to 2014. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to identify service-level factors associated with screening, while accounting for differences in client-level factors. There was substantial variation in the proportion of clients who had a documented cervical screen in the previous two years across the participating PHC centres (median 50%, interquartile range (IQR): 29–67%), persisting over years and audit cycle. Centre-level factors explained 40% of the variation; client-level factors did not reduce the between-centre variation. Screening coverage was associated with longer time enrolled in the CQI program and very remote location. Indigenous PHC centres play an important role in providing cervical screening to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. Thus, their leadership is essential to ensure that Australia’s public health commitment to the elimination of cervical cancer includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women. A sustained commitment to CQI may improve PHC centres delivery of cervical screening; however, factors that may impact on service delivery, such as organisational, geographical and environmental factors, warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abbey Diaz
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Australia.
| | - Brenda Vo
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Australia.
| | - Peter D Baade
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Australia.
- Cancer Research Centre, Cancer Council Queensland, Herston 4006, Australia.
| | - Veronica Matthews
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore 2480, Australia.
| | - Barbara Nattabi
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Crawley 6009, Australia.
| | - Jodie Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore 2480, Australia.
| | - Lisa J Whop
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Australia.
| | - Ross Bailie
- University Centre for Rural Health, The University of Sydney, Lismore 2480, Australia.
| | - Gail Garvey
- Wellbeing and Preventable Chronic Disease Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Casuarina 0810, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|