Integrated Team Care Program
Highlights
- High rates of chronic disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Mixed methods evaluation assesses impact of integrated team care
- On-hold due to COVID-19
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have high rates of risk factors associated with chronic illness and have much higher rates of chronic disease than non-Indigenous Australians. These higher rates affect overall life expectancy and mortality. Access to comprehensive, affordable, and culturally competent primary health care is critical to closing the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and that of other Australians. Uptake of primary care services is affected by the lack of available culturally competent services.
Abt Global has been collaboratively working with the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network to evaluate the integrated team care program designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders better manage their chronic conditions. The mixed methods evaluation assesses the impact on consumers and service integration. Abt has developed ongoing consumer engagement processes with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to support the inclusion of their voice in service planning and future co-design opportunities.
This project is ongoing. Once completed, this project will inform policy and practice in the implementation of chronic disease programs focused on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.