Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a highly prevalent yet under-recognised health condition affecting many First Nations peoples. Logistical and financial issues in accessing non-local specialist services result in high rates of undiagnosed/untreated OSA in First Nations communities. This project includes five work packages focused on co-designing OSA services, upskilling the local workforce and educating community members to bring a transformative shift in OSA care in First Nations communities.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) in First Nations communities is highly prevalent, resulting in an increased risk of cardio-metabolic and mental health issues, productivity loss and accidents. However, most OSA cases in First Nations communities remain undiagnosed/untreated due to the unavailability of specialist services in local communities.

Considering the close link between OSA and chronic conditions and high rates of OSA in people aged 50 years or over, timely and culturally appropriate OSA care will be critical for reducing the risk/worsening of chronic conditions and healthy ageing in First Nations communities. Therefore, local services are crucial for timely diagnosis, management and continuity of care.

Leveraging the clinical expertise of nurses and Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) and building on pilot work, this project offers a culturally safe and holistic model for local OSA care in First Nations communities in rural, remote and regional Queensland. The program-LYAS-OSA is rooted in community engagement, integration of traditional and cultural knowledge and local capacity/capability building. The program encompasses five work packages aiming to integrate best-practice care in service delivery, co-designing service model and educational/awareness resources, training and upskilling nurses and AHWs for offering local (home-based) diagnosis and management, and embedding the co-designed model in regular service delivery. Program evaluation will help identify opportunities for model improvement and systemisation.

The training and upskilling of nurses and AHWs will develop local capacity and contribute to building a skilled workforce, while community awareness and understanding of OSA will enable a social environment to discuss OSA without shame and ensure timely uptake of services. Timely diagnosis and management of OSA will help improve cardio-metabolic and mental health outcomes and reduce the associated human and economic costs in First Nations communities.