Goulburn Valley Health Client Journey Project “Asking the question”. The importance of capturing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Status Client Journey Project Coordinator : Jenny Lia/Sally Robson

1: Decreasing percentage of Aboriginal people in all age groups who leave hospital without treatment 2:Decreasing percentage of Aboriginal people in all age groups who discharge from hospital against medical advice. 3: Developing an agreed, transparent and properly resourced pathway from hospital to primary health services for Aboriginal people Hume Region Closing the health Gap Plan The Client Journey project aims to address the CTHG regional priority by: 4: Ensuring hospital and primary care services have the capacity to deliver the coordination and continuity of care necessary to meet the needs of Aboriginal clients

Improving the client journey is the implementation of best practice for a group with one of the highest levels of health disadvantage Aboriginal Victorians experience poorer health and lower life expectancy than general community. Hospitals are a place to fear Lack of trust Racism Cultural Insensitivity Lack of understanding of the medical system Lack of confidence in medical system Feel ignored Some reasons why local Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander people may not identify to or accesses the health care system

This will be achieved by improving the client journey. Identification is the key. Identification Assessment Referral Follow up

Identification Someone identifies as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders based on their individual preference and sense of identify, not their physical attributes. Asking the question ‘Do you identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?’ should be included in the process that collects patient PMI data.

Ambulance Clerk walks out to patient Walk in Patient comes to desk Information recorded on “cheat sheet” PMI screen Updated Ambulance no. W/C or TAC Recent hospital admission Local Dr. Medicare number Private Health. Address Country of birth Marital status Language Religion Interpreter NOK Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Cat 1 or 2 patient Straight into ED treatment area Ward clerk inside ED collects PMI information Information recorded on “cheat sheet” Process of Collecting and Updating PMI in Emergency Department

ACCURATE IDENTIFICATION OF THE ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PATIENT Ongoing identification of Aboriginal clients as they move along the patient journey is a priority Pathology Elective Admissions X-ray Emergency Antenatal Mental health SCS = ASKING THE QUESTION FOR EACH PRESENTATION IN EVERY DEPARTMENT

Why is it important to ask the question? It is mandatory to collect quality information to measure the health of the Australian population. Can I assume that someone is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander? Making assumptions towards someone's status is not right and you may be in breach of racial vilification laws if you do so. Do I ask everyone? It is important that all patients are asked if they identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, regardless of appearance, country of birth, or whether they are personally known to the health service. Recording Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status Frequently asked questions

Recording Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status Frequently asked questions What information should be given to people who identify? All Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people who present to the Emergency Department setting are to be given an Aboriginal Transition Officer (ATO) Information pamphlet. Will people who identify be treated any differently? All patients have the right to be treated fairly and with respect. This service works within anti-discrimination laws, which are in place to protect all people from discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, sex, race, disability and other characteristics.

Promotion of the Aboriginal Transition Officer in the Emergency Department

Client Journey at GV Health. The term "deadly" is used in the mainstream to mean lethal and dangerous; for Aboriginal Australians it affirms splendour. Promotion of the Aboriginal Transition Officer in the Emergency Department

Where to now? Please follow the link below and watch the video (segments 1 and 2). (segment 1) (segment 2)

Where to now? Once you have finished watching the two film clips please fill out the questionnaire attached to this . All questions topics are covered in this presentation and in the videos. Thankyou for participating in this trial, we value your feedback. Please fill in the evaluation and hand it back to you manager along with the questionnaire.