Issue #5 December 2005 |
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Welcome to the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH) Intranews! In this newsletter we have included information about some of the activities which have been happening both within the CRCAH partner organisations and within the general Aboriginal health arena. If you would like to share information about achievements and activities, please email alastair.harris@crcah.org.au |
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Canberra Showcase |
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In August the CRCAH Board determined that a series of Showcases presenting the CRCAH's work be run across the country. November saw the Canberra and Adelaide Showcases presented. The CRCAH's first showcase was held in Canberra recently with the theme of “listening to Aboriginal voices and valuing Aboriginal solutions to Aboriginal health”. The Canberra Showcase was jointly hosted by our partner the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) and supported by our two other Canberra-based partners, the Departments of Health and Ageing and Family and Community Services. The day was opened by ACT Chief Minister, Jon Stanhope who praised the work of the CRCAH and partners and committed his ACT Government to supporting Aboriginal health research. Mr. Stanhope referred specifically to groundbreaking research on the well-being of Indigenous prisoners and their families being undertaken by AIATSIS and the Canberra Winnunga Aboriginal Health Service which was later presented to the showcase audience. Mr. Stanhope said that poverty, family problems and social exclusion were key factors in Aboriginal ill-health along with incarceration which he said remained “unacceptably high”. More than seventy policy makers, researchers, Aboriginal health service representatives and community members were presented with a variety of CRCAH-sponsored research projects including: • a Central Australian effort to create haemodialysis access for remote Aboriginal patients on country; • Sharing the True Stories – an alarming report which documents serious issues arising out of miscommunications between Aboriginal patients and non-Aboriginal health workers; • an ACT study looking at the health and well being requirements of Aboriginal prisoners, their families and service providers operating in the correctional service system; and • a CRCAH evaluation of the Trial for the ‘Footprints in Time' longitudinal study of Indigenous children in the ACT/Queanbeyan region and the Torres Strait Islands which highlights the essential need for useful evaluation of government health research and programs. CRCAH executive officer, Mick Gooda and AMA Federal President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, later launched the Sharing the True Stories report detailing alarming levels of miscommunication between Aboriginal patients in the Northern Territory and non-Aboriginal health workers (see story below). The day finished with a forum panel discussion on the Health Implications of the New Arrangements in Aboriginal Affairs, moderated by Jeff McMullen, with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Tom Calma, AIATSIS's Kerry Arabena, prominent Aboriginal health researcher, Dr Cindy Shannon, Joy McLaughlin from the Department of Health & Ageing and Bryan Palmer from the Office of Indigenous Policy Coordination. An edited audio file of the Canberra Forum will be available on the CRCAH website early next year. Photos and other details are available now at: www.crcah.org.au The Board and staff of the CRCAH would like to thank Steve Larkin, Kerry Arabena, Kirsty Parker, Graham Henderson and others for their assistance in organising what was a very successful day. Keep reading Intranews for details of other CRCAH Showcases coming to a city near you in 2006. |
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ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, CRCAH Chair Pat Anderson & Kerry Arabena
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| Adelaide Showcase | ||||||||
Flinders & the CRCAH Aboriginal Health Research Expo 24.11.05 A week after the Canberra CRCAH Showcase, Flinders University & the CRCAH combined to present an Aboriginal Health Expo in Adelaide. The Adelaide event showcased the wide range of collaborative Aboriginal health research activities being conducted by the CRCAH and Flinders Aboriginal Health researchers. It was an opportunity for people to meet and listen to a multidisciplinary network of Aboriginal researchers and their partners present work in the following areas:
The Aboriginal Health Research Expo was deemed a great success by those attending. Strong Aboriginal researcher presence, effective communication between partners and presenters and opportunities to network with others who are committed to finding practical solutions to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people were nominated as positive outcomes by particpants. Linkages with the Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health were a prominent feature of the Expo - with CRCAH CEO, Mick Gooda, presenting an overview of the CRCAH's approach to research including the Indigenous Research Reform Agenda. This was a great opportunity for Aboriginal health researchers to share work and ideas, network, and engage with stakeholders. The CRCAH would like to acknowledge the efforts of Inge Kowanko, Kim O'Donnell and Anne Amos from Flinders University and all those who presented. For further information: http://www.flinders.edu.au/healthsc/research/research/FAHRU.htm
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International Society for Equity in Health (ISEqH) ISEqH is holding its 4 th International conference in Adelaide in September 2006. The conference theme ‘Creating Healthy Societies through Inclusion and Equity' reflects the central role of social, political and economic determinants in creating health. In addition the conference will focus on two new topics, ‘Aboriginal Health' and ‘Arts and Equity in Health'. The conference, to be held in the University of Adelaide grounds from 11 to 13 September 2006 , offers a unique opportunity for those with a common interest in equity and health to share and learn. ISEqH is particularly keen to encourage researchers from the southern hemisphere to participate. ISEqH call for Abstracts - Conference organisers are encouraging those interested in promoting equity in health to submit abstracts for both oral and poster presentations. Abstracts can be submitted until 1 st March 2006 . More information about abstract due dates and the conference registration (very reasonable) can be found at ISEqH's website: www.iseqh.org
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CRCAH links people at their sucessful November meeting in Canberra.
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| CRCAH Wins Award for Sharing the True Stories Collaboration | |||
The CRCAH, Charles Darwin University , the NT Department of Health and Community Services and Banbins Productions were announced as the joint winners of the Business/Higher Education Round Table (BHERT) award for Best Collaboration Involving a CRC Business – Research and Development or Education and Training.
The award was judged on the following criteria 1. Innovativeness 2. Strength of the relationship between collaborating partners 3. Outreach inclusion (e.g. overseas - to other groups, companies) 4. National benefits • Cultural impact on the partner/organisation.
The BHERT award panel said the Sharing the True Stories project gave“urgency to the need to improve inner-cultural communication and education in health services delivery.” The panel praised the project for its successful collaboration between, “Aboriginal client groups, Aboriginal interpreters, health staff, and research consultants who worked together within a Participatory Action Research framework, to identify and address problems in communication and education in NT renal and hospital services.” Congratulations to the STTS team for their success. For further information:
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| Rheumatic Fever DVD Launch | |||
A ten minute video targeting young people diagnosed with rheumatic fever has been produced by CRCAH partner, the Menzies School of Health Research. Written and produced by researcher Norma Benger with advice from Alice Springs-based Dr Alex Brown the video is presented by Jacko Angeles and features cameo appearances from prominent Aboriginal AFL stars. Five-hundred copies of the DVD's are being produced for distribution to remote clinics, hospitals and young people recently diagnosed with rheumatic fever. The DVD, highlighting the need for ongoing treatment after diagnosis to avoid serious heart damage, was funded by the Australian Rotary Health Research Fund. The video was launched at Oenpelli in early December. For further information: malcolm.mcdonald@menzies.edu.au |
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Norma Benger |
The Rheumatic Fever DVD |
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| Australian Researchers Support Asylum Seekers | |||
The Researchers for Asylum Seekers (RAS) group is a voluntary and non-profit group concerned about the current treatment of asylum seekers in Australia . Officially affiliated within the School of Behavioural Science , University of Melbourne , RAS aims to raise awareness of the plight of asylum seekers through forums, conferences, research and the distribution of information on asylum seeker issues. Currently, Australia is the only country in the developed world to imprison asylum seekers until a decision is made on their refugee status. Such a policy is psychologically harmful to asylum seekers, and is legally and economically unsound. RAS believes alternative policies are necessary, and that the integrity of Australia 's borders can be maintained without the need to violate human rights and Australia 's international obligations. |
A new report on renal disease has been released by the Australian Institute for Health & Welfare. With risk factors that are highly prevalent in Australia , including diabetes and high blood pressure, the number of Australians at risk of chronic kidney disease is increasing with Indigenous Australians at particular high risk. People with chronic kidney disease are also at risk of a range of complications, including cardiovascular disease. However, in many cases chronic kidney disease is preventable and treatable. This report is the first to bring together data from a variety of sources to highlight the impact of chronic kidney disease in Australia . The information within will be relevant to policy makers, the wider community and anyone with an interest in chronic kidney disease. Published 23 November 2005 http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10137
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In September, a group of men representing the Palyalatju Maparnpa Health Service attended the 6th National Men's Health Conference and 4th National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Male Health Convention in Melbourne. The men, from the Kutjungka region of the East Kimberley, also visited staff at the Onemda VicHealth Koori Health Unit at the University of Melbourne . Their presentation, and the reason for their trip to Melbourne , arose from a shared concern about the current status of desert men's health. The men were George Lee Tjungurrayi, Greg Mosquito Tjampitjin, Danny Glasby (male nurse), John Carty (cultural health coordinator) and Brian McCoy (health researcher). All five men presented men's health research that had been completed in the region in 2004. In 2005 this research was formally returned to the communities and the men of the region, using a community report and a series of posters. As a response to that research Palyalatju Maparnpa employed a full-time male nurse. It also supported a trip involving a number of men to the East Kimberley to examine other men's health programs. The trip to Melbourne provided a valuable opportunity for the group to share some key aspects of the findings of that research, but also allow the group to learn from the experience and advice of others. The research dissemination was accepted by the CRCAH as an in-kind project, and the trip to Melbourne was financially supported by the CRCAH. Researcher Brian McCoy, who worked with the Kutjungka men, has just been appointed an NHMRC post doctorate fellow at La Trobe University's Sexual Health Centre. The CRCAH wishes Brian and the Kutjungka mob all the best for their future work. For more information: bmccoy@mira.net
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| New AIHW Report on Indigenous Hospital Separations | |||
This report presents the outcomes of a project, funded by the Australian Health Ministers' Advisory Council, directed at establishing a basis for improving Indigenous identification in hospital separations data. Published 2005-12-09 01:00:00 ; ISSN 1036 613X; ISBN 1 74024 516 4; AIHW Cat. No. HSE 101; 156pp.; $28.00 For further information: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10222 |
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Is Research Working for You? - A Self-Assessment Tool and Discussion Guide for Health Services Management and Policy Organisations is a new resource available from the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation. Many organisations would like to make better use of research, but aren't sure where to start. Others feel they're doing well, but would also like to know if there are areas they could improve. Through self-assessment, an organisation can discover its strengths, identify gaps, and make plans for addressing priority areas in the future. The Foundation believes the tool will not only help in self-evaluation, but also provide ideas for where and how to enhance research use in the following areas: Can the organisation find the research evidence it needs? Can the organisation assess whether the research is reliable and high-quality, and whether it is relevant and applicable? Can the organisation present the evidence to appropriate decision makers in a useful format, which synthesizes recommendations, conclusions and key issues? Does the organisation have the skills, structures, processes and corporate culture to promote and use research evidence in decision-making? For more information: http://www.chsrf.ca/other_documents/working_e.php To obtain a copy of the self-assessment tool: |
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| Building Links with ANU Research Unit | |||||
The CRCAH is building closer ties with other leading health research organisations, in particular the Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute (APHCRI), based at the Australian National University in Canberra . In recent months this relationship has led to CRCAH involvement in workshops to facilitate APCHRI's Stream Four (Systematic Reviews) projects. This has in turn led to CRCAH representation on the steering committee of two of these projects. Several of the projects within Stream 4 match well with the CRCAH's priorities in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Health Systems and Workforce Program, and others are likely to contribute usefully to the knowledge base in the Chronic Conditions Program. The CRCAH's Research and Development Manager, Jenny Brands, took part in an invitation-only workshop on measuring research impact, run by Professor Huw Davies from the University of St Andrews in the UK . The CRCAH's involvement in this workshop was made possible thanks to links with another important research and dissemination collaborator, the Primary Health Care Research and Information Service (PHCRIS). This workshop will help the CRCAH identify credible and meaningful ways of measuring how its work makes a difference. Further information: www.anu.edu.au/aphcri |
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| Change in Program Managers | Changes to the Board | ||||
A new Program Manager has joined the CRCAH team. Barbara Beacham is now the Program Manager for the Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program, and the Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Health Systems and Workforce Program. Project leaders within these two Programs can look forward to hearing from Barbara in the near future as she familiarises herself with all the projects. Barbara's contact details are as follows:
Tel: 08 8922 8841 Email: Barbara.beacham@flinders.edu.au Barbara replaces Roger Brailsford, who is carrying out some scoping and project development work, particularly in relation to the priorities of the Aboriginal community-controlled sector, which will also feed into the development of projects in the Comprehensive Primary Health Care, Health Systems and Workforce Program. |
The CRCAH Board has endorsed a Commercialisation and Utilisation plan that will see the appointment of a Junior Executive and part-time Commercial Manager to oversee commercial contracts, management of intellectual property, and the long-term viability of the CRCAH beyond its seven year life span.
The CRC Programme of the Department of Education, Science and Technology (DEST), which funds CRCs, requires all CRCs to produce a Commercialisation and Utilisation plan. In endorsing the plan, the Board expressed its appreciation of the contributions of consultant Liz Armstrong for her work in preparing the plan, and of Paul Newbound, Project Office Manager at DSTC (another CRC). The Commercialisation and Utilisation Plan will now be submitted to DEST for their approval. If you would like further information about the plan or the proposed new positions, please contact CEO Mick Gooda, mick.gooda@menzies.edu.au. |
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East Arnhem Communities Healthy Skin Day
Determined to rid their region of scabies and skin sores, East Arnhem Land communities have continued a long-standing collaboration with researchers and health workers by conducting Healthy Skin Days during September and October. Healthy Skin Days are a major promotional aspect of the East Arnhem Healthy Skin project which is a collaborative project involving local communities, councils and clinic staff working with staff from the University of Melbourne, Menzies School of Health Research and the Northern Territory Department of Health and Community Services. The CRCAH-funded East Arnhem project also receives financial support from the Rio Tinto Aboriginal Foundation, the Ian Potter Foundation and the Australasian College of Dermatologists . The entire community is involved in the Healthy Skin Day, with all community members treating themselves with permethrin cream. Household spring cleaning and community pre-cyclone cleanup is also encouraged. Many communities take on a festive atmosphere with footy matches, school concerts and BBQ's to encourage greater participation in Healthy Skin Day. Often a disease of overcrowding, scabies is rife in many remote Indigenous communities. Up to half of all children and a quarter of the adults living in remote communities of northern Australia are estimated to be infected with scabies. It is the single most common reason for seeking medical attention in Aboriginal communities and there is strong evidence that skin infections are closely linked to the world-record rates of rheumatic heart disease found in these communities. The links between renal disease and skin sores are well documented. Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Marthakal Homelands, Milingimbi, Galiwinku, Yirrkala, Marngarr, Miwatj Health and Laynhapuy Homelands all held Healthy Skin Days. Filling the Gaps The joint collaboration with Menzies School of Health, the University of Melbourne and the Queensland Institute of Medical Research to address four major Healthy Skin research questions has been approved by the CRCAH Board and was signed off by the collaborators in October 2005. The major research areas of the ‘Filling the Gaps' project are designed to answer the following questions:
The project which is funded for three years is closely linked to other work being undertaken by the core partners and builds into community based projects in East Arnhem (the CRCAH funded East Arnhem Healthy Skin project) and North Queensland. |
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| Communications Unit Report | |||
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| New Staff Member - Cassandra Preece | |||||
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The Canberra Showcase saw the launch of a major research report from the Northern Territory exposing dangerous levels of miscommunication between Aboriginal patients and medical professionals.
The Sharing the True Stories report, a four-year collaboration between the CRCAH, Charles Darwin University and communities from Arnhem Land found that the nature of miscommunication between patients, their families and health professionals was seriously underestimated and that there was a lack of shared understanding of illness and health between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. The report found that miscommunication limited patients' abilities to make informed choices about their health care and reduced the ability of health workers to perform their jobs. The project is unique in its extensive collaboration with Aboriginal speakers of YolnguMatha language, its use of participatory action research methods and its development of resources aimed at improving communication. The two part research report was formally launched by Australian Medical Association Federal President, Dr Mukesh Haikerwal, CRCAH Chief Executive Officer, Mick Gooda, and Yolngu researcher and interpreter Helen Guyula on November 16. Dr Haikerwal said the report highlights a “gulf of misunderstanding” between Aboriginal patients and health professionals.
He argued that improved communication between patients and health staff was essential to improving the appalling state of Aboriginal health. Dr Haikerwal reiterated the AMA's support for provision of 24-hour Aboriginal interpreting services to be available in all hospitals and clinics and for improved training of interpreters to ensure an understanding of health issues across cultures. CRCAH chief executive, Mick Gooda said the report was proof of the importance of research in identifying obstacles to improving health and pointing the way to solutions. “This report cannot be ignored; if we want to improve the health of Aboriginal people we must start by ensuring that there is a shared understanding of medical knowledge and that diagnoses and treatment are understood by Aboriginal patients and their families.” “In this case solutions lie with better training of medical staff, particularly doctors, and the use of fully trained interpreters so Aboriginal patients aren't burdened with trying to understand often complex medical advice in a language of which they have limited understanding.” “Governments must get serious about offering interpreting services to Aboriginal patients.” The report received widespread media attention including national ABC radio coverage, Channel 9, Melbourne 's Age newspaper, the Canberra Times and major national Indigenous radio and print coverage. The CRCAH's continues its support for the dissemination of the report's findings with a role in developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of and pursuit of further research funding.Further information: www.sharingtruestories.com Copies of Stage 1 and 2 reports: www.crcah.org.au |
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| New Radio Message Targets Depression | |||||
Collaboration between a Darwin-based Aboriginal radio station, a mental health research team and the CRCAH saw the production of a 39 second radio announcement targeting depression in young Aboriginal men. The “Sad-hearted Radio Spot” was launched recently by NT Minister for Family and Community Services, Delia Lawrie, as part of Mental Health Week. The announcement was born out of a CRCAH supported research project, the Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative (AIMHI) NT, which has been working with Aboriginal mental health workers across the top-end. AIMHI Researcher Caroline Thompson said the project identified key messages to promote and manage remote mental health. “Our main message is that people who have mental illness do recover and get strong again and that there is no shame in mental illness – anyone can get sick and everyone can help in their recovery,” said Caroline. “The “Sad-hearted Radio Spot” is an important tool in disseminating our main messages and is the first of its kind to hit the airwaves via Australia 's extensive Indigenous radio networks,” Caroline told Intranews. The message is being broadcast on Darwin 's Radio Larrakia, CAAMA radio in Central Australia and the Top End Aboriginal Bush Broadcasters Association (TEABBA) network throughout the top-end of the NT.
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| ABC Health Updates | |||||
The ABC provides a weekly email service containing links to all health-related ABC Radio and Television stories. This is a useful resource in tracking media focus on health matters and can be accessed at http://www.abc.net.au/health/mailinglist.htm
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| Indigenous Postgraduate Scholarships | ||
| The CRC for Aboriginal Health has a strong commitment to building the capacity of Indigenous people working in Indigenous Health Research
The CRCAH is calling for applications from Indigenous students for Postgraduate Scholarships Scholarships are available for Honours, Master and PhD Level Students Applicants must be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and intend to study at one of our core partner Universities or research institutions. A list of the core partner Universities and research institutions is available on our website. Applications close on the 10th of January 2006 For further information and an on-line application package go to: www.crcah.org.au Or contact Diane Walker, Capacity Development Officer, CRCAH
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The Education and Training review recommendations were presented at the recent board meeting. While the board supported in principle the recommendations they asked for more time to comment on the paper in detail. Thanks to people who contributed. The main recommendations in the review relate to:
Meanwhile there are some aspects of the recommendations which fall within our ongoing work to increase the involvement of Indigenous people in Indigenous Health Research and we are continuing to work in this area. We are currently running a Scholarship round for 2006 and information and applications for this round has been displayed on the home page of our website. We are also collaborating with The University of Melbourne to recruit students for their ASSA Summer School program. This Summer School Program will have a focus on Health Research (in the Social Sciences). We are also running an Indigenous Overseas Study Program in 2006 and will be inviting suitable applicants to apply early in 2006. This program is directed towards giving students an opportunity to attend conferences and present their work to an International audience.
CRCAH Education and Training Officers, Di Walker has visited all core partners as part of the CRC’s commitment to listen to the views of core partner organisations. This has led to a better understanding of what Education and Training opportunities need to be provided for Indigenous people to be involved in Indigenous Health Research. The next step in the review process is to form focus groups to refine our strategies. The focus groups will meet in Melbourne and Darwin in October 2005. Staff members from core partner organisations have been invited to attend and assist with the process of developing strategies that the CRCAH can implement as part of its commitment to increasing the numbers of Indigenous people involved in health research. Major issues include, community based research training, scholarships and support for higher degrees, training for researchers and service providers in how to make research get used and coordination between courses. We look forward to this process after having valuable discussions with core partner organizations which led to some clear and similar ideas being developed. Di Walker |
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| Student Profile – Morva Wong Improving Diabetes Management in her Community | ||
Aware that many diabetes sufferers in her Torres Strait communities were failing to self-manage their disease properly, Seisia Health Centre Manager, Morva Wong decided to do something. She applied for a CRC for Aboriginal Health scholarship to establish an original research project for her honours year in a Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Indigenous Health) degree. The project was to test the effectiveness of support groups for people who have diabetes. Would support groups stimulate social and environment changes and lead to greater capacity at an individual, group and community level to manage behaviour change and improve self-management practices? It builds on recommendations from previous research that examined barriers and enablers of diabetes self management in two pilot studies in the Northern (Cape York) Peninsula Area (NPA) and the Torres Strait . Among the many recommendations from that earlier research was the need to establish support groups for people with diabetes. This need was described by one of the participants as a place where “we can sit down and talk about things that are worrying us” which is the title of this project. Two communities in the NPA, one Aboriginal and one Torres Strait Islander, were selected to be included in the research project. Four workshops were conducted in each community and the group leaders were people with diabetes who understood issues around diabetes management. The four workshops covered:
Morva told Intranews that her research has helped people with diabetes in the communities because they are less isolated and can share their concerns with each other. “It is now out in the open and people are not so embarrassed to tell other people that they have diabetes,” said Morva. “In the past no one really knew who else had diabetes accept if it was a family member but once the workshops began they were able to find out for themselves who had diabetes.” Morva said that as a result of the support groups people with diabetes are now also participating in walking groups or rowing out in dinghies to catch fish for their meals in order to lose weight. People are eating better and some of the issues raised in the support groups have even been included in the five year plan of one of the communities. Morva is enthusiastic about recommending studies in health research to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and said a CRCAH scholarship allowed her to really develop her research project. “I would not have been able to do the project without the CRCAH scholarship, assistance from the Torres and NPA Health Service District and support from the University of Queensland ,” she said. “It isn't easy to study on your own in a remote area, but the support networks are there, all you need is a telephone and access to the Internet. The staff at the University of Queensland have been very supportive and helpful and my supervisor, Dr Melissa Haswell-Elkins was excellent.” Intranews is pleased to report that Morva graduated with an honours degree from the University of Queensland on December 5 2005. |
