Title

Improving the patient journey: Achieving positive outcomes for remote Aboriginal cardiac patients

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2009

Subject Area

Location - Remote, Population - Indigenous people - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Social Issues - Well being, Transport policy - Transport disadvantage, Transport policy - Transport poverty

Abstract

The number of Aboriginal people from remote locations admitted to Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) has grown steadily over the past decade. However, significant gaps in the patient care provided for this group have resulted in a high incidence of patient ‘no shows’ and cancelled surgery due to poor patient preparation. This research aimed to provide advice on enhancing clinical and cultural aspects of the trajectory of care by documenting the experiences and perspectives of a group of Aboriginal cardiac patients admitted to FMC. The research looked at the entirety of patients’ journeys from their homelands to FMC and then the return journey to their homelands. The research particularly considered surgical consenting processes, Aboriginal peoples’ understanding of their heart conditions and surgery-related issues including their cardiac medications, as well as the nature of interpersonal skills and delivery of culturally safe care by nurses and doctors throughout their stay in Adelaide.

Comments

Permission to link to this report given by Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health.