Based on reports generated by the AIHW, statistics published by the ABS and reports sponsored by OATSIH, amongst others, it is clear that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are still experiencing extensive health, social, and environmental disadvantage, compared to non-Aboriginal peoples.
Some of the major issues pertain to life expectancy, including that of children under five years, and the onset and consequences of chronic diseases.
AHA has a commitment to working on projects that advance the interests and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. AHA’s expertise in this sector is founded on:
- Consulting projects we have conducted across Australia (refer examples below)
- Hands-on experience of several of our team members of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Our strong partnership with Yaran Business Services, a unique consulting firm.
The majority of the Yaran consultants are of Aboriginal descent and are committed to working on projects that provide opportunities for Australian Aboriginal communities. This partnership, and our understanding of the social and environmental determinants of health in Aboriginal communities, knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service systems and services, as well as expertise in working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, has allowed us to work effectively with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service (ACCHSs) across all states and territories.
Examples of AHA’s consulting projects which relate to the health of Aboriginal Australians are provided below.
Aboriginal Health Service Remote Access (AHSRA) Scheme Program Review, as part of the Section 100 Evaluation (DoHA)
- AHA recently reviewed the AHSRA Program as part of its Review of the Existing Supply and Remuneration Arrangements for Drugs Listed Under Section 100 of the National Health Act 1953
- The AHSRA Program was established to provide easier access to PBS medicines for clients of eligible Aboriginal Health Services (AHSs) in remote areas of Australia, and there are currently 170 AHSs around Australia approved to participate in the AHSRA Program. These approved AHSs can order, from a community or hospital pharmacy, bulk quantities of PBS medicines. These medicines are then supplied to clients at the time of their consultation with a medical practitioner, free of charge
- This review is examining the supply and remuneration arrangements for community pharmacists associated with the supply of PBS Medicines to AHSs across rural and remote Australia.
Evaluation of SAMSIS (OATSIH)
- AHA was engaged by the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) to evaluate the Secure Aboriginal Medical Services Information System (SAMSIS).
- SAMSIS, a national on-line, web based information system was designed for the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Affiliates. It supports OATSIH funded services (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations - ACCHOs) to improve their business information and reporting capacity.
- SAMSIS provides a range of tools and resources that support ACCHOs in their reporting requirements
- The objectives of the evaluation were to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the SAMSIS project and identify opportunities for arrangements regarding the future of SAMSIS.
Quality Standards for Aboriginal Aged Care (DoHA)
- The Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA) recently appointed AHA, in partnership with Yaran Business Services, to develop a Quality Framework that is culturally appropriate for Flexible Aged Care Services
- The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program currently provides funding for 29 services, mainly in rural and remote areas. A mix of residential and community aged care services can be provided, and the mix of services may change as community aged care needs vary. A flexible approach to funding allows these services to modify the type of aged care services they provide according to the ageing needs of their local communities
- This helps ensure that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can access culturally appropriate care services as close as possible to their communities. The communities are encouraged to participate in every aspect of service provision, from the planning stages through to the operation of the services
- AHA is working in collaboration with services providing aged care under the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program to develop a program specific Quality Framework which will establish a baseline set of quality standards for the program
- The Framework will form the basis of quality assurance monitoring for the Program and assist service providers to improve their services. The Framework will apply to the 29 flexible aged care services currently operational.
- Further details are available at the Minister for Ageing’s website
Assistance to Aboriginal HACC funded agencies as part of the HACC National Service Standards Agency Assessment Program (DHS)
- AHA worked with Aboriginal service providers to provide an optional ‘supported self assessment’ to assist them prepare for the mandatory formal assessment against the HACC standards. The process was well received, with positive comments from many Aboriginal services, for example:
- “The consultant was most supportive and informative. I most appreciate the assistance I have been given today to help me prepare for the HACC accreditation.”
- “Really worthwhile process, supported and informal forum that provided great help for our agency.”
- “Great visit. Very supportive and understanding. Good validation of current quality processes.”
- Where practical, the formal assessments were conducted by the consultant who conducted the supported self assessment visit.
- Other AHA work related to this initiative included:
- Training Aboriginal Development Workers from each region in the HACC National Service Standards and assessment process, to enable them to effectively resource Aboriginal services, both before and after the assessment process and
- Providing specialist training to DHS regional offices to assist them support and monitor Aboriginal agencies during the implementation of action plans arising from the HACC assessments (refer HACC Quality Assessment Program – Victoria (DHS))
- Due to our success in engaging with Aboriginal HACC funded agencies, AHA was recently appointed by a regional DHS office to facilitate workshops designed to help agencies develop practices which will assist them to meet the HACC Standards.
Access points - Tasmania and Queensland Pathways and Infrastructure Mapping Projects (DoHA)
- Separate projects were conducted in each state. Our work included broad consultation across the community care sector, including:
- Targeted meetings with key stakeholders and service providers, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders (Queensland and Tasmania)
- Consultation with HACC Aboriginal liaison officers (Queensland)
- Meeting and consultation with the HACC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reference Group (Queensland).