Indigenous Health

 
 
                                                                    
 

INDIGENOUS HEALTH
The main focus of general practice networks, as outlined in the National Performance Indicators, is to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander utilization of health checks for both children and adults. In addition the Moreton Bay General Practice Network has set a Local Performance Indicator in increasing adult influenza immunization.
 
Relevant Health Checks
Child Health Checks (0-14 years) Annual
Adult Health Checks (15-54 years) Every 2 years
Older Person’s Health Checks (55 years and over) Annual
The health check includes an assessment of the patient’s health and their physical, psychological and social wellbeing. It also assesses what preventative health care, education and other assistance should be offered to the patient to improve their health and wellbeing.
It must include:
·         Taking the patient’s medical history
·         Examining the patient
·         Undertaking or arranging any required investigations
·         Assessing the patients, using the information gained in the health check
·         Making or arranging any necessary interventions and referrals
·         Documenting a simple strategy for the good health of the patient
Under the supervision of a general practitioner, an Aboriginal Health Worker, nurse or other qualified health professional can assist the GP in the information collection stage of the child or adult health check.
 
Free flu vaccine
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients over the age of 50 years are eligible for free flu vaccine as are many between the age of 15 and 49 years.
 If your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients:
·         have heart disease, lung disease (including asthma), kidney or liver problems
·         have diabetes
·         have an immune compromising condition such as HIV infection or cancer
·         are heavy drinkers
 then they are eligible for free influenza vaccine.
Health checks and flu vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients may help to reduce morbidity and mortality, and may contribute to ‘Closing the Gap’ in life expectancy and in mortality rates.
Valuable link

Here is a link to the Australian Bureau of Statistic's report The Health and Welfare of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, 2008

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