Integrating care in remote First Nation’s communities: Experience of health professionals, community services and allied health students.

Introduction: Allied health services in rural and remote hospitals often work in siloed and solo discipline-specific positions. They are often part of general multi-disciplinary teams without a clearly articulated service model that integrates care for individuals and addresses broader community hea...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cairns, Alice, Currie, Niccola, Mann, Jennifer
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Ubiquity Press 2024
Subjects:
Online Access:https://account.ijic.org/index.php/up-j-ijic/article/view/8826
https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.APIC3162
Description
Summary:Introduction: Allied health services in rural and remote hospitals often work in siloed and solo discipline-specific positions. They are often part of general multi-disciplinary teams without a clearly articulated service model that integrates care for individuals and addresses broader community health needs. Integrated care service models for clients with complex disabilities or chronic health needs have demonstrated improved outcomes, but feasible service models are rarely described in the context of rural, remote and First Nations communities. Integration can support primary care in remote communities where resources are thin, and the breadth of multidisciplinary service providers is not available. To respond to the context, a co-designed student-assisted, community rehabilitation and lifestyle service was developed to support three very remote communities. Context: This study was based in three very remote (modified monash model 7) communities in Cape York, Far North Queensland. Two of these communities are discrete Aboriginal communities, with many services based in the third community which acts as a ‘hub’ community for the surrounding region. Engagement: Over a 4-year period, this service was co-created (co-designed and co-implemented) with local community members and organisations, the local public health service, local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, and an on-site University Department of Rural Health. The purpose of this service was to deliver a holistic healthy aging service that supports individuals to age well in community, provides support to carers and families, and increases community capacity improve health and wellbeing for the whole community. Aim: This study aims to explore the perspectives of health professionals, community organisations and allied health university students on the integration of care provided by the service. Methods: Structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants who were involved in either the delivery, participation or support of the service. ...