PHASE 1: 2012 - 2013

Aim:

·         To identify and document case studies that highlighted best practice in the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing ACS

Who was involved:

·         AHHA and the Heart Foundation

·         10 health care services known for providing exemplary care in the treatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with ACS

What activities occurred:

·         A review of published literature to find examples of initiatives which aimed to improve access, quality of care or outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with ACS

·         Review of past or existing initiatives which improved the patient journey for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with ACS

What were the outcomes:

•          Key elements of the initiatives that made a difference to ACS care were identified:

•          Expansion and optimisation of the Aboriginal health workforce

•          Better identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

•          Effective partnerships with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

•          Fostering of clinical champions

•          Commitment to the delivery of patient centred care

•          Use of newer technologies to improve communication

•          Initiatives were grouped into four domains:

•          Governance and Accountability

•          Clinical care pathways

•          Cultural competence

•          Workforce

 

PHASE 2: 2013 - 2016

Aim:

•          To drive systemic change in acute care hospital settings to improve care and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing ACS

Who was involved:

•          AHHA and the Heart Foundation

•          8 public hospitals across Australia:

§  Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, VIC

§  Coffs Harbour Health Campus, NSW

§  Flinders Medical Centre, SA

§  Liverpool Hospital, NSW

§  Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD

§  Royal Perth Hospital, WA

§  St Vincent’s Hospital, VIC

§  Tamworth Hospital, NSW

What activities occurred:

•          Development and pilot of a toolkit to assist hospitals in undertaking quality improvement activities across the four domains identified in Phase 1

•          Activities undertaken at pilot hospitals. Some examples included development of culturally appropriate resources, establishing culturally safe and inviting rooms for families to meet in, cultural awareness training for hospital staff, amendment of admission and discharge forms to improve communication with local Aboriginal Medical Services.

What were the outcomes:

·         better identification of Indigenous patients

·         improved relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and communities

·         recognition of the importance and value of Aboriginal Liaison Officers

·         improved confidence of hospital staff in delivering culturally appropriate care

·         greater commitment to follow-up after discharge

·         reduction in discharge against medical advice.