Enhancing interprofessional practice through the co-design of a holistic culturally and developmentally informed First Nations child health assessment

• Published in: Australian Journal of Primary Health
• Main Authors: Reid, Natasha, Liu, Wei, Morrissey, Shirley, Page, Marjad, McDonald, Theresa, Hawkins, Erinn, Wood, Andrew, Parker-Tomlin, Michelle, Myatt, Grace, Webster, Heidi, Greathead, Bridget, Shelton, Doug, Horton, Sarah, Katsikitis, Mary, Shanley, Dianne
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: CSIRO Publishing 2022
• Subjects: Health services and systems; Biomedical and clinical sciences; Health sciences; Psychology; Queensland; First Nations
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10072/419526; https://doi.org/10.1071/PY21293

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study explored staff experiences of co-designing and implementing a novel interprofessional (IP) First Nations child health assessment (the helpful check), developed in partnership with a remote North-Queensland Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Organisation. METHOD: Eleven staff across two teams (family health and allied health) were involved in co-designing and implementing the child health assessment and associated IP practices. Interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured interview template and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were developed: (1) connect teams by building strong relationships; (2) leave space for helpful check processes to evolve; and (3) integrate helpful check processes into routine practice to sustain change. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate how the incorporation of IP practices into a remote primary healthcare setting led to perceived benefits for both the health service staff and clients. Full Text