Progressing health equity through strengthening the First Nations health workforce

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Industry

Health

Strategic policy development

Reference number

H.5.2223004

CRCNA funding

$1,781,000

Total project value

$3,657,175

Project length

3.5 years

Finish date

30 June 2026

Project Status

Current

Project Manager

Sarah Docherty

Participants

Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre
James Cook University
Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Mackay Hospital and Health Service
North West Hospital and Health Service
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network
Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service
Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council

Summary

Australia's First Nations people continue to experience significant disparities in health outcomes, despite policy efforts to Close the Gap (CTG). Issues with access to health care, driven at least in part by challenges in the cultural acceptability of health services, in addition to geographical accessibility and appropriateness contribute significantly to these ongoing issues.

Difficulties in attracting and retaining First Nations staff to work in the health system and a lack of clarity, career path and support for the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers & Practitioners (ATSIHW&Ps), are a contributor to inadequate First Nations people in the health workforce overall. A related factor is high workforce turnover, that in turn undermines relational trust, continuity of care and thus quality of care. Whilst research into the economic and service delivery impact of turnover, the broader impacts on continuity of care, and importantly, what is required to address these workforce issues remains understudied.

This project will directly address these gaps, working in partnership to deliver real, scalable solutions to expand and strengthen the First Nations health workforce, delivering health and economic benefits with implications across northern Australia.

Expected outcomes

The evaluation component of this work includes an economic evaluation that will assess the economic impact of this work.
The major impact of this work will be to:

Increase the number, concentration and proportion of the First Nations clinical health workforce at all levels.
Increase the number, concentration and proportion of First Nations employees across health organisations – including in ancillary/non-clinical roles.
Support career pathways and improved recognition of qualification and skills for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners (ATSIHW&Ps)
Increase the cultural competence of the non-indigenous health workforce in working with First Nations colleagues and consumers

Error message

Progressing health equity through strengthening the First Nations health workforce

Participants

Summary

Expected outcomes

-19.685205665634, 133.68012775268