Transforming access, relational care, and primary health care in an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population

Dates: 2020-2024

Internationally, primary health care (PHC) systems experience challenges of delivering quality care to growing populations with complex care needs. 

The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health – a regional network of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in South East Queensland – has overseen substantial increases in uptake of care in their clients, with demonstrable improvement in health outcomes.

However, evidence is emerging of the inability of the system to effectively respond to rapid population growth, necessitating a redesign of the way care is delivered.

Using a mixed methods approach, this prospective observational cohort study will evaluate a model of patient-centred medical homes, developed by an Alaskan Native-controlled health service and adapted to the local context.

Unique to this model is coordinated care that is delivered by a multidisciplinary team, rather than by individual clinicians. Embedded in Aboriginal governance, this study will examine: the feasibility and acceptability of implementing the model of care; whether compared to pre-implementation, this model of care improves access and relational continuity of care; longer-term health outcomes; and cost-effectiveness.

Research findings will deliver key lessons for: broader PHC system reform; system change management in real-world, PHC settings; Aboriginal led and governed models of research collaboration and distinct policy initiatives such as Health Care Homes.

Funding

Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) (APP1200868) ($1,209,747.00)