Improving the patient journey of Aboriginal children & their families across the Northern Child Health Network
Project summary
This project aimed to improve the quality of information available and improve service accessibility for Aboriginal families when their children enter the hospital system as patients and are transferred from one healthcare facility to another. Based on community discussion, culturally appropriate resources have been developed to support families and improve their experience in accessing health information and services.
Aims
To improve and enhance cultural support available to Aboriginal families when their child’s healthcare is transferred to a service outside their local community. This will be achieved by:
- developing culturally appropriate generic information for the young patient and extended family members to support their transition across healthcare facilities.
- creating culturally appropriate environments within the hospital setting for Aboriginal children and their families to support care and recovery.
- providing appropriate support to healthcare professionals in accessing and utilising culturally appropriate resources.
Method
- Journey of the Aboriginal Child Project – phase 1 involved consultations with community on issues they faced when their children were transported and presented to ED or admitted to hospital, from a small to a larger healthcare facility, away from their immediate community environment. This process identified key issues for families. NCHF funding was approved to undertake phase 2 of the project.
- To meet the needs of the communities it was identified to develop culturally appropriate DVD and posters. The resources would support families and children in developing an understanding of what happens when children are transported from a small to larger hospital facility to either the Emergency Department or admitted to the Ward.
- An Advisory group was established to provide feedback on resource development. Representation included hospital management, Emergency Department and ward staff. A separate feedback and progress loop was established with the Bundjalung Elders and Ngayundi Health Advisory Committee
- Jetstar Gold Coast Titans Rugby League Club were approached and Preston Campbell volunteered his services to narrate the DVD
- An EOI was conducted to recruit the services of an Aboriginal film maker who would work with community to develop a DVD format. Gondwana Productions were recruited. Families and Hospital staff were interviewed and recorded by the filmmaker
- The TAKE CARE message evolved from discussions conducted with both Aboriginal families and Hospital staff. Key messages were compiled under the TAKE CARE banner and the DVD content developed around this ACRONYM
- As well, additional posters were created targeting the TRIAGE process and the names of Hospital staff families are likely to meet when they present at the Emergency Department
- Wall plaques were created to acknowledge the artists involved
- Resources were launched 2011
Key performance indicators
The success of the project was measured against the following:
- Culturally appropriate DVD/booklet developed, piloted and evaluated targeting transfer/admission processes and based on client/health professional feedback
- Culturally appropriate resource developed, piloted and evaluated targeting discharge/follow up processes and based on client/health professional feedback
- Appropriate support provided for health care professionals on resource delivery for both the transfer/admission and discharge/follow-up resources
- Culturally appropriate delivery processes are established for both resources that are easily accessible across healthcare facilities
- Culturally appropriate spaces are created in 2 pilot healthcare settings
Project Outcomes
- A T.A.K.E C.A.R.E DVD featuring Preston Campbell. The DVD outlines practical tips for families to consider when they bring their children to hospital and either present to the Emergency Department or are admitted to the ward.
- Three posters have been developed:
- A TRIAGE poster – ‘Who goes first in Emergency’, To meet local requirements, this poster was adapted from a poster developed in the Mid North Coast Local Health by the Mid North Coast Local Health District, Chronic Care for Aboriginal People and Durri AMS,
- ‘Who you will see when you come to ED poster’. Provides a picture of the uniform and the name of the many people you might see when you visit the Emergency Department.
- ‘T.A.K.E C.A.R.E’ poster which reinforces key messages in the DVD.
Take your child/baby to the Emergency Department if they are unwell or injured
Ask lots of questions if you are worried or scared
Keep your cool if you have to wait
Every question is important so answer as best you can
Check with hospital staff before you leave ED or the ward
Always stay with your child/baby
Remember to come back if your baby/child gets worse
Every patient is important but some maybe sicker then others – they will get help first
- Child friendly and culturally appropriate environments created. Local Aboriginal artwork was commissioned to create culturally friendly environments and wall mounted children’s toys, children’s change tables and listening posts were purchased to create a stronger child friendly environments
- Page dedicated to these resources created on this website
For more information or a copy of the DVD please contact:
Donna Lloyd
Coordinator, Health Equity, Population Health, Planning & Performance, NCAHS
Phone: 02 6620 7501