Exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients admitted to a metropolitan health service.

Conclusion There were systemic differences in in-patient experiences. Healthcare services have a responsibility to make systemic changes to improve the health care of all Australians by understanding and reforming how services can be appropriately delivered.What is known about the topic? There is a disparity in health outcomes between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and those who do not identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have different interactions within healthcare services. Many rural health services have models that aim to deliver culturally appropriate services, but it is unknown whether the same challenges apply for this group of Australians within metropolitan health services.What does this paper add? This paper identifies the structural supports that are required to help close the gap in health care provision inequality. Many of the key issues identified are not people but system based. Healthcare administrators should consider the factors identified and address these at a whole-of-service level.What are the implications for practitioners? Many practitioners are aware of the challenges of providing culturally appropriate services. This research raises awareness of how traditional healthcare is not a one size fits all and flexibility is required to improve health outcomes. PMID: 29495978 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Australian Health Review - Category: Hospital Management Authors: Tags: Aust Health Rev Source Type: research