Embedding Online Cultural Awareness Training Across Metro & Rural Health Services in WA to Improve Service Delivery to Aboriginal Clients. Ref No: WA11BP03 Registered Training Organisation: Metropolitan Health Services

Who are we? This e-learning project has been developed through a collaboration of Indigenous and non- Indigenous staff working across: Western Australia Country Health Service (WACHS) North Metropolitan Area Health Service (NMAHS)

What are we doing? ‘The Project’ Build one e-learning module within a larger framework –Module 1 introduction for all staff in health –Module 2 advanced knowledge for everyone –Module 3 additional knowledge for clinical staff –Module 4 additional knowledge for admin/clerical staff Design content based on existing learning material Engage Aboriginal staff –for regionally appropriate cultural guidelines –for their own professional development

Why are we doing this ? We know… Many causes of Aboriginal ill-health and death are preventable Aboriginal life expectancy is years below that of other Australians But… Aboriginal patients less likely to seek treatment early Less able to follow medication/rehab regimes Resulting in… Poor health outcomes Increased re-admission

What are we aiming for? Enhanced health worker behaviours to improve patient outcomes Improved workplace cultural security to retain Aboriginal employees Increased access to cultural awareness training via online e-learning material Increased educator confidence in the use of blended learning to support e-learners.

What have we done? Engaged Aboriginal employees as education designers –Conducted focus groups with Aboriginal staff working in NMAHS and regional centres across WACHS to identify Top 20 essential topics for inclusion Reviewed existing publications and research addressing Aboriginal culture and health Designed and developed e-learning package –Addressed the national unit of competence HLTAHW201A ‘Work with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients’ –Material created using Metamorphosis software –Additional interactive activities generated using Raptivity and Marvin software.

Where are we at? Currently at testing stage (March) –Regional Learning and Development Coordinators will be running sessions in the first weeks of March 2011 to evaluate the e-learning package –Blended learning will be used to test package –Feedback to be incorporated into package Future (April) –The package will be updated and then released for wider review (via the WACHS/NMAHS intranet) in the first week of April.

Have we had any issues? Timeframes – very tight especially for multiple community collaborations across WA Technology – difficult to select what will work and what is most appropriate for target group e.g. access to audio at workstation Scope of project – embedding technology not just creating cultural awareness e-learning package

What lessons have we learnt? Effective communication – importance of regular communication between project team members Technology – use of new software Inter-agency networking – stakeholder identification and management Human resource allocation – accurately calculating ‘man hours’ needed for tasks Personal growth – project management skills, increased cultural competence etc.