$500,000 grant to enhance digital healthcare for Indigenous communities

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders living with chronic disease in rural areas will benefit from improved healthcare access thanks to a $500,000 grant.

Dr. Bushra Nasir from The University of Queensland's Rural Clinical School said a strategic framework will be developed to deliver a national Indigenous-led digital health service model, after being awarded a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant.

This funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council will help us bridge medical service gaps and improve health outcomes for Indigenous chronic disease patients across Australia.''

Dr. Bushra Nasir, The University of Queensland's Rural Clinical School 

The delivery framework will be co-designed by UQ, Goondir Health Services (GHS, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation) and the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ).

During the project's initial phase, The Innovative Digital Indigenous Primary Health Care Delivery Model was developed to integrate Virtual Health Services, Point-of-Care Testing and digital technologies to improve rural healthcare.

"We have undertaken extensive consultation and published a study detailing chronic disease challenges and how virtual models of healthcare empower Indigenous communities," Dr. Nasir said.

"Based on our ongoing research, we're committed to developing a culturally responsive, sustainable and cost-effective model that enables Indigenous Australians with chronic diseases to utilise digital health advances."

GHS CEO and co-lead investigator Mr. Floyd Leedie said the model provided a holistic approach to tackling chronic disease in a culturally appropriate way that works.

"Patients can use remote monitoring devices in the comfort of their homes, ensuring consistent access to healthcare staff, without the burden of travel or other costs," Mr Leedie said.

"The national roll-out will be able to provide holistic healthcare to more Indigenous people across Australia."

UniSQ health economist and co-lead investigator Professor Khorshed Alam will evaluate the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of the virtual health services model.

"To ensure long-term success and affordability, it's important to develop a national framework through consumer and stakeholder collaboration," Professor Alam said.

"Through rigorous analysis and stakeholder engagement, we will ensure that this digital health model is both scalable and sustainable, fostering community ownership and driving positive health outcomes."

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
AI-driven tools could ease nurses’ workload in healthcare sector