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Hosking K, Binks P, De Santis T, Wilson PM, Gurruwiwi GG, Bukulatjpi SM, Vintour-Cesar E, McKinnon M, Nihill P, Fernandes TA, Greenwood-Smith B, Batey R, Ross C, Tong SY, Stewart G, Marshall C, Gargan C, Manchikanti P, Fuller K, Tate-Baker J, Stewart S, Cowie B, Allard N, MacLachlan JH, Qama A, Boettiger D, Davis JS, Connors C, Davies J. Evaluating a novel model of hepatitis B care, Hep B PAST, in the Northern Territory of Australia: results from a prospective, population-based study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 48:101116. [PMID: 38966601 PMCID: PMC11222935 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Background The Northern Territory (NT) has the highest prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Australia. The Hep B PAST program aims to improve health outcomes for people living with CHB. Methods This mixed methods study involves First Nations peoples living in the NT. We used participatory action research principles across three steps: 1. Foundation step: establishing hepatitis B virus (HBV) status and linkage to care; 2. Capacity building: training the health workforce; 3. Supported transition to primary healthcare: implementation of the "Hub and Spoke" model and in-language resources. Analysis occurred at three time points: 1. Pre-Hep B PAST (2018); 2. Foundation step (2020); and 3. Completion of Hep B PAST (2023). Evaluation focuses on four key indicators, the number of people: 1) with documented HBV status; 2) diagnosed with CHB; 3) receiving care; and 4) receiving treatment. Findings Hep B PAST (2018-23) reached 40,555 people. HBV status was documented in 11% (1192/10,853), 79.2% (26,075/32,915) and 90.8% (28,675/31,588) of people at pre-Hep B PAST, foundation step, and completion respectively. An estimated 99.9% (821/822) of people were diagnosed, 86.3% (709/822) engaged in care, and 24.1% (198/822) on antiviral treatment at completion. CHB prevalence in the study population is 2.6%, decreasing from 6.1% to 0.4% in the pre- and post-vaccination cohorts. Interpretation Hep B PAST is an effective model of care. Partner health services are exceeding elimination targets. This model could enable other countries to enhance the cascade of care and work towards eliminating HBV. Funding National Health and Medical Research Council.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Hosking
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Paula Binks
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | - George Garambaka Gurruwiwi
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Emily Vintour-Cesar
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Melita McKinnon
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Peter Nihill
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | | | - Robert Batey
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Cheryl Ross
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Steven Y.C. Tong
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Catherine Marshall
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Prashanti Manchikanti
- Miwatj Aboriginal Health Corporation, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Karen Fuller
- Katherine West Health Board, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Sami Stewart
- Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Benjamin Cowie
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Nicole Allard
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jennifer H. MacLachlan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Qama
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Boettiger
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua S. Davis
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Jane Davies
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Hep B PAST partnership
- Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Miwatj Aboriginal Health Corporation, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
- Katherine West Health Board, Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia
- Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, The Doherty Institute, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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Binks P, Venkatesan S, Everitt A, Gurruwiwi GG, Dhurrkay RG, Bukulatjpi SM, Ross C, Alley T, Hosking K, Vintour-Cesar E, McKinnon M, Sullivan RP, Davis JS, Hefler M, Davies J. An evaluation and refinement of the "Hep B Story" app, tailored to meet the community's cultural needs. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:710. [PMID: 38849881 PMCID: PMC11162029 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11149-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B is endemic amongst the Australian Aboriginal population in the Northern Territory. A participatory action research project identified the lack of culturally appropriate education tools and led to the development of the "Hep B Story" app in the Aboriginal language Yolŋu Matha. This paper describes a formal evaluation of the app's first version, which informed improvements and translation into a further ten Aboriginal languages. METHODS The evaluation employed Participatory Action Research (PAR) principles to work within Indigenous research methodologies and prioritise Indigenous knowledge to improve the app iteratively. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted across the Northern Territory with 11 different language groups. Local Community Based Researchers and Aboriginal Research team members coordinated sessions. The recorded, translated conversations were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed using an inductive and deductive approach. RESULTS Between November 2018 and September 2020, 94 individuals from 11 language groups participated in 25 semi-structured interviews and 10 focus groups. All participants identified as Aboriginal. Most participants felt the app would be culturally appropriate for Aboriginal communities in the Northern Territory and improve knowledge surrounding hepatitis B. The information gathered from these interviews allowed for identifying five main themes: support for app, relationships, concept versus language, shame, and perceptions of images, along with errors that required modification. CONCLUSIONS A "real-life" evaluation of the app was comprehensively completed using a PAR approach blended with Indigenous research methods. This evaluation allowed us to develop an updated and enhanced version of the app before creating the additional ten language versions. An iterative approach alongside strong community engagement was pivotal in ensuring the app's cultural safety and appropriateness. We recommend avoiding the use of knowledge-based evaluations in an Aboriginal setting to ensure relevant and culturally appropriate feedback is obtained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Binks
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - Sudharsan Venkatesan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, Northern Territory Health, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Anngie Everitt
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - George Garambaka Gurruwiwi
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Roslyn Gundjirryirr Dhurrkay
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Sarah Mariyalawuy Bukulatjpi
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, NT, Australia
| | - Cheryl Ross
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Tiana Alley
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Kelly Hosking
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Public Health Directorate, Office of the Chief Health Officer, Northern Territory Health, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Emily Vintour-Cesar
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Melita McKinnon
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Richard P Sullivan
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, School of Clinical Medicine, St George and Sutherland Hospital, UNSW Medicine and Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Joshua S Davis
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Marita Hefler
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospitals, Northern Territory Health, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Hosking K, De Santis T, Vintour-Cesar E, Wilson PM, Bunn L, Garambaka Gurruwiwi G, Wurrawilya S, Bukulatjpi SM, Nelson S, Ross C, Stuart-Carter KA, Ngurruwuthun T, Dhagapan A, Binks P, Sullivan R, Ward L, Schroder P, Tate-Baker J, Davis JS, Connors C, Davies J. "Putting the power back into community": A mixed methods evaluation of a chronic hepatitis B training course for the Aboriginal health workforce of Australia's Northern Territory. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0288577. [PMID: 38266007 PMCID: PMC10807824 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is endemic in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of Australia's Northern Territory. Progression to liver disease can be prevented if holistic care is provided. Low health literacy amongst health professionals is a known barrier to caring for people living with CHB. We co-designed and delivered a culturally safe "Managing hepatitis B" training course for the Aboriginal health workforce. Here, we present an evaluation of the course. OBJECTIVES 1. To improve course participants CHB-related knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practice. 2. To evaluate the "Managing hepatitis B" training course. 3. To enable participants to have the skills and confidence to be part of the care team. METHODS We used participatory action research and culturally safe principles. We used purpose-built quantitative and qualitative evaluation tools to evaluate our "Managing hepatitis B" training course. We integrated the two forms of data, deductively analysing codes, grouped into categories, and assessed pedagogical outcomes against Kirkpatrick's training evaluation framework. RESULTS Eight courses were delivered between 2019 and 2023, with 130 participants from 32 communities. Pre- and post-course questionnaires demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all domains, p<0.001 on 93 matched pairs. Thematic network analysis demonstrated high levels of course acceptability and significant knowledge acquisition. Other themes identified include cultural safety, shame, previous misinformation, and misconceptions about transmission. Observations demonstrate improvements in post-course engagement, a deep understanding of CHB as well as increased participation in clinical care teams. CONCLUSIONS The "Managing hepatitis B" training course led to a sustained improvement in the knowledge and attitudes of the Aboriginal health workforce, resulting in improved care and treatment uptake for people living with CHB. Important non-clinical outcomes included strengthening teaching and leadership skills, and empowerment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Hosking
- Public Health Directorate, Office of the Chief Health Officer, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Teresa De Santis
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Emily Vintour-Cesar
- Public Health Directorate, Office of the Chief Health Officer, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Phillip Merrdi Wilson
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Linda Bunn
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - George Garambaka Gurruwiwi
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Shiraline Wurrawilya
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | | | - Sandra Nelson
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Cheryl Ross
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kelly-Anne Stuart-Carter
- Centre for Disease Control, Northern Territory Health, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Terese Ngurruwuthun
- Miwatj Aboriginal Health Corporation, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Amanda Dhagapan
- Miwatj Aboriginal Health Corporation, Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Paula Binks
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Richard Sullivan
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- UNSW School of Clinical Medicine, St George & Sutherland Campus, Jannali, NSW, Australia
| | - Linda Ward
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Phoebe Schroder
- Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jaclyn Tate-Baker
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital, Northern Territory Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Joshua S. Davis
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Connors
- Public Health Directorate, Office of the Chief Health Officer, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
- Population and Primary Health Care Branch, Top End Health Service, Northern Territory Health, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jane Davies
- Global and Tropical Health Division, Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Darwin and Palmerston Hospital, Northern Territory Health, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
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