Addressing health inequity – the latest Australian research

Thursday, August 5, 2021

The latest issue of the Australian Health Review, the academic journal of the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), shines a light on a deep problem in healthcare – health inequity experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples - and focuses on some of the key issues which can be addressed to improve the health outcomes,’ says Editor-in-Chief, Professor Sonĵ Hall.

 ‘In a policy reflection, Dr Janine Mohamed, CEO of Lowitja Institute, highlights the importance of strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.

‘Dr Mohamed’s message of strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to improve the care outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is one that is echoed in a perspectives piece by Dr Chris Bourke, Andrew McAuliffe and Prof Lisa Jamieson.

‘This piece identifies key areas of action to address the low number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dental practitioners, including the implementation of cultural safety accreditation of dental schools and increased financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dental students.

‘A review of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency-registered health practitioners’ Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics by Prof Eleanor Milligan et al identifies areas for improvement and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and cultural safety,’ notes Prof Hall.

Other articles in this issue examine digital health care innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

‘Dr Danusha Jayawardana and Dr Brenda Gannon’s analysis of the update of telehealth in relation to mental health care during COVID-19 revealed a 50% reduction in face-to-face consultations for mental health appointments and an equal uptake of telehealth appointments.

‘An assessment of the implementation of a virtual ward as a COVID-19 hospital avoidance response strategy by Katherine Schultz et al highlights some of the factors for success including strong executive engagement, agile leadership and a willingness from key stakeholders to rapidly adopt and accept new models of service delivery.’

Other articles in this issue provide insights into quality and safety, aged care, and the shortage of medicines.

The August issue of the Australian Health Review is available here. More information on AHHA is available at ahha.asn.au. This media release is available online.

 

Media enquiries:  Prof Sonĵ Hall, Editor in Chief, Australian Health Review, 0427 613 587