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Supporting the Primary Care Response to Family Domestic and Sexual Violence Pilot

Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN, in partnership, have received Commonwealth funding to participate in Round 2 of a national pilot to strengthen the capacity of the primary care sector to respond to family, domestic and sexual violence (FDSV) (including child sexual abuse), and to support primary care practices to create a space where victim-survivors feel safe to share their story and seek help.

This project is being delivered by Adelaide PHN in partnership with Country SA PHN.

About the Project

The Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) project focuses on the development and delivery of training, resources and capacity building activities for primary care staff to enhance their capacity to recognise and respond to FDSV, as well as a range of system integration activities to ensure that victim-survivors receive an improved quality of support.

The FDSV project aims to improve integration and coordination between the primary care and the FDVS sector.  Project activities target general practice-based primary care workers, including health professionals (general practitioners (GPs), practice nurses and allied health staff) and administrative staff (practice managers, receptionists and administration).


The FDSV project aims to contribute to the following outcomes:

  • Enhancing general practice-based primary care workers’ awareness of FDSV and their capacity to identify and support DFV victim-survivors
  • Enhancing relationships and collaboration between the primary care and FDSV sectors to ensure coordinated responses to those affected by FDSV
  • Increasing primary care sector referrals to FDSV support services
  • Improving the support experience and outcomes for FDSV victim-survivors.


A key attribute of the FDSV project is its flexibility in model design and implementation, Adelaide PHN will develop and implement a tailored model developed in response to the local needs and service context.

Adelaide PHN’s tailored approach will focus on three core components, being training, system integration, and influencing the system for sustainable change.

Round 1 of the Project

In 2019, 6 PHNs were funded as part of a national pilot to support primary care services to recognise and respond to family and domestic violence. Each PHN developed a model of support based on local needs as part of a place-based commissioning approach.


The models developed by the PHNs all had slight differences but were built on similar core components: 

  • Whole of practice approach – which involved not only general practitioners but practice nurses, practice managers and administrative staff,
  • Workforce capacity building - through formal (CPD accredited) training and informal training for the primary care sector,
  • The creation of a local link/system integrator role - usually an organisation with expert knowledge of the local FDV sector who was funded by the PHN to build relationships with general practices in their region, deliver informal and formal training to the primary care sector, support the strengthening of referral pathways between general practitioners and specialist support providers and undertake quality improvement practices,
  • System influence activities. 

Round 2 of the Project

In the 2022-2023 budget the Commonwealth Government announced additional funding for the Supporting the Primary Care sector response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence pilot. The funding intends to expand and enhance the work undertaken by the 6 PHN pilot sites who participated in Round 1. This expansion encompasses both:  

  • The establishment of additional family and domestic violence pilots to locate a pilot in each state and territory,  
  • And the addition and integration of supports to improve primary care response to and health system navigation by victims-survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse to both the existing and new pilots.

Adelaide PHN in partnership with Country SA PHN received funding to take a statewide approach to the FDSV pilot. The project objectives are as follows:  

  • Support primary health care providers to implement a model of support to assist in the early identification and intervention of FDSV, and coordinate referrals to support services;  
  • Increase the capacity and capability of the primary care workforce to better care for victims-survivors of FDSV and persons living with FDSV;  
  • Improve the primary care system integration with the broader FDSV service response system and health service navigation for victims-survivors of sexual violence.   

There are four stages to this project:

  1. Exploration of need and establishing project team;
  2. Planning and undertaking co-design;
  3. Implementation of pilot and integrated modules;
  4. Monitor and evaluate.

Evaluation of Round 1 of The Pilot

The pilot was independently evaluated by the Sax Institute and the models developed were well received by the stakeholders. Key outcomes included;

  • Enhanced primary care sector capacity to recognise and respond to FDV
  • Enhanced relationships between FDV and primary care sectors
  • Increased primary care sector referrals to FDV services
  • Improved outcomes for FDV victim-survivors

For more information regarding the evaluation of Round 1 of the pilot, please see the evaluation report: Evaluation of the Improving Health System Responses to Family and Domestic Violence Primary Health Network Pilots

Contact Information

If you would like to be involved in some way, or just kept informed, please contact the FDSV project team at: [email protected]

 

Get Involved

It is anticipated that full time GPs can see as many as 5 patients experiencing violence each week. Family, domestic, and sexual violence are often hidden from others in the community.

The silent nature of abuse means that it can be hard to have the conversation about abuse. Victim-survivors of violence and abuse are more likely to tell their GPs about their experiences more than any other professional group.

Therefore, primary care providers play a critical role in supporting people who are experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence.

The Supporting the Primary Care sector response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence pilot here in SA will give primary care providers the tools to get their patients the right support at the right time. If you would like to be involved with this work, there are a range of opportunities to be involved for primary care providers, representatives from the FDSV response sectors, and those with lived experience of FDSV.

Needs Assessment - Closed

The FDSV Project team spoke to people with lived experience of FDSV, primary care providers, and representatives from the FDSV response sectors across regional and metropolitan South Australia through one-on-one conversations, focus groups, and surveys.

The team aimed to understand how primary care providers currently support their patients’ experiencing violence and where there might be gaps or ways that this support could be improved. The team also learned how primary care and specialist FDSV response services currently work together and how this could be improved.

The outcomes of the needs assessment will be published in a report on the respective Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN websites.

Advisory Panels - Closed but may reopen in future

Two advisory panels have been put together to support the work of this project. 

The first, a GP Advisory Panel represents the primary care sector across South Australia and will advise the project team on matters related to all phases of the project, including collaborative design and implementation of the model.

The GP Advisory Panel will assist the project team to effectively engage with and support General Practice to ultimately build their capacity to recognise, respond to, and refer patients who may be at risk of or who are experiencing violence or abuse.

The GP Advisory Panel will be expected to provide general advice regarding the primary care sector, whilst also advocating for their own communities. Recruitment for the GP Advisory Panel has closed at this time but may re-open in future if more members are needed. 

The second, a Lived Experience Advisory Panel, has been convened by LELAN to shape and co-design how responses to victim-survivor disclosures and links to additional support can be enhanced and expanded through this model.

To centre victim-survivors in building the supports they need and use, LELAN will be convening this Panel and are additionally contributing to partnership and decision-making processes.

LELAN is the independent peak body in South Australia by, for and with people with lived experience of mental distress, social issues or injustice. LELAN’s systemic advocacy targets the mental health and social sectors in South Australia, whilst their thought leadership and expertise on lived experience expertise and leadership is borderless.

At this time, recruitment for the Lived Experience Advisory Panel has closed but may re-open in future if more members are needed.

Collaborative Design and Consultation

A series of community consultations and collaborative design activities occurred between October and December. These activities were an opportunity for individuals living or working in the two pilot regions to take part in the design of the pilot model. 

Pilot Regions (boundaries to be defined through collaborative design activities) 

  • Country SA: a hub and spoke model with physical sites located in Whyalla and Port Augusta, and outreach to surrounding areas 
  • Adelaide: Salisbury and Playford LGAs 

The collaborative design activities aimed to capture the views and experiences of those who were most affected by the model. This included: 

  • People with lived experience of FDSV (including adult survivors of CSA), 
  • Primary care providers (GPs, practice nurses, practice managers and anybody else who shapes the primary care environment), 
  • Organisations who provide services to people experiencing FDSV. 

In addition, activities were catered towards communities that are heavily affected by violence and abuse and often experience inadequate access to acceptable services. This includes those from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, multicultural communities, LGBTIQA+ communities, and people living with disability communities. Specialist facilitators from TACSI, Purple Orange, NINI and LELAN were engaged to make sure the activities in this phase were culturally safe, accessible and inclusive, and trauma informed.  

Commissioning and Implementation of the Model

Applications are open for General Practices to participate in the Supporting the Primary Care Response to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence pilot project.

The pilot project aims to provide strategies for the primary care work force to Recognise, Respond to, and Refer patients experiencing FDSV and CSA.

Participating practices will get access to specialised online training suitable for clinicians and all staff, as well as a dedicated triage, referral and support service.

An information session will be held on Thursday 10 April to provide information about the application process, what’s involved, and the benefits for participating. To attend, register here.

If you’d like to be kept informed, please feel free to reach out to: [email protected]

Learn More about FDSV

Under the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 and the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032, many resources have been commissioned by the Commonwealth Government to increase the capacity of mainstream services to better respond to people experiencing family, domestic and sexual violence. 

We all have a role to play in ending violence against women and children. Mainstream services, like primary care, are not expected to be specialists in responding to violence and abuse but as trusted members of our communities, they can be effective first responders.

The links below include a range of training modules and short resources for individual professionals to improve their knowledge, as well as some useful toolkits and information packages which may be helpful to use in your practice with patients and clients. 

This section of our website will be regularly updated as new resources are released. If your organisation has a resource that you think would be useful for the primary care workforce, please reach out to the FDSV project team at: [email protected]

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

The RACGP publish the White book for health professionals – Abuse and violence: working with our patients in general practice.

HealthPathways South Australia

HealthPathways is an online portal that provides GPs and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, and localised referral resources for specific health conditions. 

HealthPathways SA currently has a suite of pathways available to support health professionals with patients who may be experiencing violence and abuse, with more in development.

The child abuse and neglect pathway provides questions and responses on issues such as disclosure, safety screening, resources, and mandated reporting.

The pathway acknowledges cultural variations in parenting practices and the challenges surrounding limited resources available to migrants and refugees.

The domestic and family violence pathway provides help for clinicians to discern who and when to screen for domestic and family violence and includes a structured online DV risk assessment and guidance for escalation to multi-agency protection and support services.

Health Professionals can sign up free and access HealthPathways SA here.

HealthPathways SA is a partnership between SA Health, Adelaide PHN and Country SA PHN.

National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

In March 2024, The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse (National Centre) launched initial foundational resources for the Strengthening Primary Health Care Responses to Sexual Violence and Child Sexual Abuse project, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.

The initial suite of resources includes two written reference guides and a short video, which are available on the National Centre website:  Strengthening Primary Health Care Responses - The National Centre for Action on Child Sexual Abuse

Outside of the resources developed specifically for the primary health care workforce, The National Centre website includes a range of resources including webinars, knowledge summaries, and reports. It is a great place to stay up-to-date on the latest evidence about child sexual abuse. 

The Safer Families Centre

The Safer Families Centre of Research Excellence delivers the Readiness Program training for frontline healthcare workers. The Safer Families Centre is a partnership with:

  • the University of Melbourne
  • the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
  • the Blue Knot Foundation
  • Phoenix Australia.

The Safer Families Centre has a range of self-paced learning modules that have been accredited through the RACGP for CPD. In addition, there is a series of RACGP hosted webinars available on the Safer Families website. Finally, the Safer Families website has a variety of clinical tools to support your work with patients. 

Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence in Adults

Monash University has partnered with the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine to develop and deliver a three-unit Course for health practitioners in Recognising and Responding to Sexual Violence which commenced in 2021 and will continue until 2027.

Monash University is seeking expressions of interest from AHPRA registered and Australia-based practicing health practitioners providing primary health care services to undertake the RACGP and other medical college CPD-accredited training at no cost.

You can enrol in single or multiple units.

More information and registration can be found here.

The Zahra Foundation Australia

The Zahra Foundation Australia are deeply committed to addressing the critical issues of financial abuse and coercive control - forms of domestic and family violence that have a profound impact on individuals' lives.

Financial abuse occurs when someone controls access to money and resources, often leaving the victim unable to make decisions about their finances or those shared in a relationship. This form of abuse is subtle yet deeply harmful, affecting one in six women in Australia and present in 60% of domestic and family violence situations.

Zahra Foundation Australia has developed an education campaign with multiple resources that clearly outline what financial abuse is, how it manifests, and where to find help. Additionally, they offer essential advice not only for victims and survivors but also for their colleagues, friends and family members.

These resources can be accessed through their website – The Zahra Foundation – Resource Library.

Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Online

3 Steps to Prevent Suicide

Three steps anyone can learn to
help prevent suicide.

Save a life

QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer – the 3 simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. QPR training will provide you with:

  1. Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal.
  2. Confidence to talk about suicidal thoughts
  3. Connect them with professional care

If you live in Country South Australia you can access the training free using the code CSA

Start QPR Training

For any enquiries regarding the training please contact Karen McColl to obtain a licence free of charge.

Contact Karen McColl
Start QPR Training
Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about QPR? We’re here to help.

Contact Us
What is QPR?

Question Persuade and Refer (QPR) is an evidence-based training which provides:

  • Knowledge and skills to identify warning signs that someone may be suicidal
  • Confidence to talk to them about suicidal thoughts
  • Connect them with professional care
How long does the training take to complete?

The self-paced session takes 60-90 minutes on average to complete and does not need to be completed in a single sitting – you can take as long as you like and take a break as need.

What will the training cover?

QPR online covers the following content:

  • Common myths and misconceptions about suicide
  • Warning signs of suicide (Direct verbal, indirect verbal, behavioural, situational)
  • How to ask the suicide question (direct and less direct methods)
  • How to persuade someone to stay alive How to refer individuals to help
How do I access the training?

QPR online licences can be accessed by contacting Karen McColl [email protected].

You will then be provided with:

  • Username
  • Password
  • Link to QPR online training website

If you are having difficulties logging into your account, please contact [email protected].

What resources will I need to complete the training?

All you need to complete QPR online is your username/password and access to a computer or mobile device with internet connection.

Suicide prevention training can bring up strong emotions. How are people supported to seek help if they need it?

At all times during the QPR online training there will be a Need Help option which will refer the participant to support lines.

I have recently been personally affected by suicide. Is it safe for me to do the training?

Community suicide prevention training aims to teach individuals the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to respond. QPR training is not recommended for individuals recently bereaved by suicide, as it is not a therapy or support group, rather an education session to learn how to support others.

If you or someone you know is in need of more urgent care, please contact:

Mates in Construction

Training as a tool to raise awareness about suicide

Starting with General Awareness Training, a worker becomes 'inducted'. Following GAT, volunteers can become Connectors, and some of those continue to become ASIST-trained workers. Surrounding these training levels is the MATES 24/7 support network via Field Officers and Case Manager site and phone support.

Building skills 
  • Raises awareness of suicide as a preventable problem
  • Builds stronger and more resilient workers
  • Connects workers to the best available help and support

Website

Welcome to the Rural Health Innovation Fund

Established in
December 2022

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) is a new and exciting opportunity to drive health care improvements for country South Australians.

We are passionate about supporting rural communities by strengthening and encouraging innovative programs that will have a lasting impact.

The RHIF will create positive change through supporting innovative community-based programs that address the diverse health and wellbeing needs in the rural community. We strive to positively impact the lives of country South Australians now and into the future.

The RHIF has been made possible by Country SA PHN.

RHIF Grants

Enhancing the lives of country South Australians

Grant Information

We are excited to see the RHIF community expand. The initiatives supported through both grant rounds have made a significant positive impact in country South Australia. The wide range of applications for Round 2 in 2024 highlights the ongoing commitment to addressing the unique needs of our communities.

Round 2 has brought another wonderful opportunity to support communities in achieving their goals and enhancing the lives of country South Australians.

We look forward to building relationships and growing The Rural Health Innovation Fund. 

Want to know more?

We welcome your input and would love to hear from you. Contact the RHIF Coordinator or join the RHIF Facebook Group so that you can stay updated.

 

 

Round 2 Grant Recipients 2024-25

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) is proud to announce the successful recipients of the 2024-25 Round 2 grants. These projects, characterised by their diversity and innovation, aim to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for regional South Australians.

A Place of Intergenerational Connection by Crystal Brook Kindergarten

(sponsored by Uniting Country SA) A vibrant outdoor space in Crystal Brook, featuring gardens, safe pathways, and unique seating with handmade mosaics from an awe-inspiring, connective 2022 art project. Located near Crystal Brook Hospital and Roseview Aged Care, this area fosters connections between residents, patients, and families, while celebrating the Nukunu people's cultural heritage. RHIF is excited to introduce this space, continuing over 120 years of support and fostering intergenerational bonds for rural South Australians.

The Mallee Arts and Wellness Program by The Pinnaroo Project Association Inc. (TPPAinc)

Founded in 2021, TPPAinc enhances the health and wellbeing of the Pinnaroo community through arts and cultural programs. The Mallee Arts and Wellness Program initiative will offer dynamic art and connection activities for community members, including those from CALD backgrounds, the LGBTQ+ community, the elderly, youth, and individuals facing isolation. Serving the towns of Parrakie, Geranium, Lameroo, Parilla, and Pinnaroo, this program aims to foster skill development, strengthen social bonds, and reduce isolation.

Empowering Mental Health Through Animals Initiative by Sanctuary on Eyre Inc. (SOE)

Founded eight years ago, SOE provide a haven for animals in need and foster connections with people facing mental health challenges. Thanks to their dedicated volunteers, and their bold innovative commitment, SOE has become a strong charitable organisation with a strong mission. With four acres near Tumby Bay, housing rescued birds, animals, and two therapy dogs, their motto is, "For the love and well-being of animals and people." The Empowering Mental Health Through Animals Initiative connects animals with individuals facing mental health challenges. Skilled staff are facilitating therapeutic visits to schools and aged care facilities, with a focus on Port Lincoln High School, Tumby Bay Area School, and Uringa Aged Care Service.

Regenerate Rural Women by Women Together Learning (WoTL)

WoTL empowers women in agribusiness across Australia through tailored programs and events, creating safe spaces for learning and support. Expanding to the Riverland in 2024 to uplift and empower local women, the Regenerate Rural Women (RRW) program helps women prioritise their health and well-being with tools for resilience, stress management, and personal growth. Join them in their transformative workshops, coaching sessions, and networking opportunities.

Second Beginnings initiative by iReach Rural Health

Formerly the Murray Mallee General Practice Network, iReach Rural Health have been providing friendly healthcare in the Murray Mallee region since 1995. Their services include psychological therapy, drug and alcohol treatment, and chronic pain management. With headspace centres in Murray Bridge, Mount Barker, and a satellite site in Victor Harbor, they cater to all ages. Their passionate team, many of whom live in the community, foster meaningful connections. The RHIF-funded Second Beginnings initiative will support individuals with chronic health conditions, mental health, and addiction challenges. With fortnightly community cooking sessions and shared meals that promote connection and wellbeing, their new mobile coffee and food van will offer skill-building opportunities for meaningful employment.

SYP Sounds by The Southern York Peninsula (SYP) Community Hub Inc.

The SYP Community Hub Inc is an innovative not-for-profit responding to community needs and community-led ideas. We're excited to support SYP Sounds, a musical project connecting local musicians with the youth of Yorke Peninsula. Participants will share their stories through song, fostering creativity and community connection.  SYP Sounds bring healing and expression through music, aimed at helping to improve health and wellbeing through a magical and transformative journey!

Willaston Football Club

Grant recipient Willaston Football Club has been funded for three initiatives: a Job Ready Program, Real-Life Resilience Program, and empowering the community through engaging The Sammy D Foundation to deliver courses. The Willaston Football Club consists of 350 men’s and women’s players, 350 members, and 1,500 supporters. Their wellbeing programs include the Willaston Netball and Cricket Clubs, reaching approximately 1,455 players, members, supporters, and the broader community. In the club’s Job Ready Program, young people aged 12 to 14 can prepare for their first job with hands-on experience in the canteen and scoreboard management. Open to youth in Gawler and surrounding suburbs, this program will empower the community. Willaston FC will also present the Real-Life Resilience Program, holding community sessions focused on supporting mental health and providing tools to build resilience from a young age. Willaston FC will engage The Sammy D Foundation to deliver impactful courses on violence prevention and positive role modelling. These courses will be open for all ages.

Round 1 Grant Recipients 2023-24

Rural Health Innovation Fund proudly announced its successful inaugural grant round recipients.

The Rural Health Innovation Fund (RHIF) was overwhelmed with the level of interest and the breadth and ideas in the applications received. We have been honoured to hear from people all over country South Australia and listen to the needs of our individual communities.

We were thrilled to be able to provide this opportunity to support communities to achieve their goals and positively impact the lives of country South Australians.

Barunga Village

Focus on falls prevention program - supporting people across the Yorke, Mid North, and Barossa regions.

Diabetes SA

Type 2 diabetes awareness and screening program held at the Paskeville Field Day.

Hawker Community Development Board

Purchase of updated gym equipment and enablement of a virtual gym for online exercise.

Our Town Ceduna/Far West


Side X Side Mateship for Life - Community driven and led, lived experience men's mental fitness event.

Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service


Elders and community Heart Safety First community awareness campaign and purchase of crucial medical equipment including defibrillators.

Port Vincent Progress Association


Community health and wellbeing initiatives, the extension of weekly community exercise classes with additional equipment run by a trained, locally based coordinator.

Riverland Youth Theatre


Community arts and wellbeing festival to connect allied health practitioners with regional artists - focused on disability and health and wellbeing.

The Embrace Collective


“Activate by Embrace” regional community programs in Port Lincoln and Mount Gambier - youth focused events to boost body image and enhance physical and mental health.

Whyalla Men’s Shed

Improving health literacy and knowledge of local health and support services program via monthly men’s health and wellbeing meetings.

Acknowledgement

Rural Health Innovation Fund would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia and pay respects to the Elders past present and future. We recognise and respect the unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas, which continue to be important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Flexible Funding

A national priority

Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.


The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:

  • Chronic Disease Management Services
  • Workforce Support and Capacity Building
  • Ngangkari Services
  • Health Navigation

Chronic Disease Management

Holistic management

Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.

The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.

Service Providers include:

  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc.

Workforce Support

Increasing the quality of health care services

Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:

  • Increase the participation of Aboriginal primary health care providers in professional development, inclusive of Integrated Team Care service providers
  • Increase access to culturally safe, comprehensive, and coordinated care
  • Increase capacity to provide quality services.
  • Enable best practice approach to delivery of care

Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.

Ngangkari Services

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health

A holistic health framework

The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc.
  • Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Inc.
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc.
  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation

Other funded services

Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:

  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc.

Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs

Supporting the Aboriginal community

Aboriginal Mental Health Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.

This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.

Read More

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc. (Riverland)
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc. (Murray Mallee)
  • Nganampa Health Council (APY Lands)
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (After-Hours – Coober Pedy)

Aboriginal Mental Health and AOD

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.

The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.

Service providers
  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc.
  • Country and OUtback Health
  • Life without Barriers
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (After-Hours – Coober Pedy)

Health Navigation

Improving patient service navigation

The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.

The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.

Resources & Useful Links

Need support? Contact our Team

Contact Us
MBS Items

There is a list of MBS Items available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Primary Health Care Providers who deliver services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people from the Department of Health. MBS Online also provides information on specific MBS items.

Online learning resources are also available:

Cultural Awareness Training

Cultural Awareness Training is available through your local service providers delivering the ITC program. Please contact your local provider to access this assistance.

Ways to improve culturally safe services and quality care

There are some things that can your Practice can do to start moving your Practice to one that is culturally responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient needs which have been completed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will be updating the standards required of health care providers in 2018. In these standards, Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will be undertaken and will affect accreditation processes in the future. For more information please go to Improving care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Overview: Guide to better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumers (Word 503KB)

Asking the Question Resources

As the first step in providing culturally safe care that is tailored to the needs of patients, you first must know whether your patients identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin. You cannot tailor care if you do not know. To do this, there are resources dedicated to assist this process. The question must be asked in the exact same manner every single time and there are different ways that it could be implemented.  The strategies which are more suitable are largely dependent on your local area and your own practice context.

Indigenous Health Project Officers in your region, can assist you with Quality Improvement cycles in identification as well as providing you with local strategies that are the most appropriate.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Care

Health Pathways South Australia is an online portal that provides general practitioners and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, and localised referral resources for specific health conditions. HealthPathways is both a model of working; bringing together clinicians across the health care sectors to co-develop pathways, and a tangible product in the form of an online health information portal.

There are clinical care pathways that are different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of health topics. Some of these are currently located in Health Pathways South Australia and are localised to the South Australian context. Different aspects to management and referral pathways are highlighted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Specific Resources

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a specific Website that delivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health information and resources across Australia to support practice in the delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is extensive.

It contains many resources that cover a range of topics either specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context in South Australia, across other jurisdictions or nationally. If using resources that are either national or from other jurisdictions, please check with Indigenous Health Project Officers regarding local relevance of these resources.

Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and migrant groups from developing countries, have a higher prevalence of ARF and RHD compared to the general Australian population. ARF and RHD are notifiable under the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. For more information about the State-wide RHD Control Program, please see the SA Health website New Australian Guidelines were released in February 2020 and are available from the RHDAustralia website along with a diagnosis calculator app and accredited E-learning modules.

Diabetes Resources

There are a range of resources available to support the provision of Diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

There is a current project to deliver South Australian Aboriginal specific film resources currently underway and will be included on completion.

Ear Health Resources

Ear Health is a public health issue within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population within Country South Australia. HealthPathways South Australia provides a range of relevant resources regarding Otitis Media for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Flexible Funding

A national priority

Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.


The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:

  • Chronic Disease Management Services
  • Workforce Support and Capacity Building
  • Ngangkari Services
  • Health Navigation

Chronic Disease Management

Holistic management

Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.

The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.

Service Providers include:

  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc.

Workforce Support

Increasing the quality of health care services

Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:

  • Increase the participation of Aboriginal primary health care providers in professional development, inclusive of Integrated Team Care service providers
  • Increase access to culturally safe, comprehensive, and coordinated care
  • Increase capacity to provide quality services.
  • Enable best practice approach to delivery of care

Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.

Ngangkari Services

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health

A holistic health framework

The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc.
  • Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Inc.
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc.
  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation

Other funded services

Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:

  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc.

Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs

Supporting the Aboriginal community

Aboriginal Mental Health Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.

This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.

Read More

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc. (Riverland)
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc. (Murray Mallee)
  • Nganampa Health Council (APY Lands)
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (After-Hours – Coober Pedy)

Aboriginal Mental Health and AOD

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.

The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.

Service providers
  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc.
  • Country and Outback Health
  • Life without Barriers
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (After-Hours – Coober Pedy)

Health navigation

Improving patient service navigation

The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.

The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.

Resources & Useful Links

Need support? Contact our Team

Contact Us
Ear Health Resources

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

A National health framework

Delivering better health care to the Aboriginal Community in SA

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

The current National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health guides all health activities in Australia. This is likely to significantly change post 2023 to be in line with the reforms in the National Partnership Agreement delivered in 2020. The Implementation Plan has also been provided to assist further in the implementation of these policies.

National Strategic Framework

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023

Download
Resources
Implementation Plans

Aboriginal Services

Supporting emotional and social wellbeing

There are multiple services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being funded by Country SA PHN. The areas of funding include:

  • Integrated Team Care
  • Chronic Disease Management
  • Flexible Funding
  • Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs Funding

Services co-designed with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector have a strong basis in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing perspective, where physical health, while a key concern, is not the only concern and multiple factors affect physical health.

Chronic Disease Consortium

Improved health & wellbeing

Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.

The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward.

SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease

Visit the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease website for more information.

Visit Site
Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map
Download PDF

COVID vaccination recall program with video messages from First Nations community leaders

Five local South Australian community leaders have supported Country SA PHN by recording messages to support the community.

  • Steven Sumner,
  • Barry Johncock,
  • Uncle Terry Hartman,
  • Aunty Kaylene O’Loughlin
  • Lou Lou Brown

CSAPHN & Professional Research Bodies

Country SA PHN works closely with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in the connection between Aboriginal Health research and policy.

The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Theme provide invaluable information to support the strategic direction of Aboriginal health policy in country South Australia.

Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.

The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward. Aboriginal Health has a national policy framework that is delivered through the National Partnership Agreements between the Australian Government and the States and Territories of Australia. This agreement has a supporting National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health and guides all health activities in Australia.

Read More
  • Look at the implications of research and what that may mean to services on the ground.
  • Look at areas where there are known gaps
  • Look at past and present researched responses to ensure gaps within the primary health care sector being addressed accordingly.

Ensure research outcomes are applied within an Aboriginal context encompassing self-management and self-determination within a holistic health framework.

Contact

For further information on Aboriginal Health, please contact the team.

Contact Us

Flexible Funding

A national priority

Flexible funding enables Country SA PHN to commission services in response to the identified national priority of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.

The range of services being commissioned by the Country SA PHN include:

  • Chronic Disease Management Services
  • Workforce Support and Capacity Building
  • Ngangkari Services
  • Health Navigation

Chronic Disease Management

Holistic management

Funding has been provided to some Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations to deliver a more holistic Chronic Disease Management (CDM) program within their communities.

The funding provides increased access to Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Services, additional staff to existing CDM teams to assist in the coordination of health services in chronic conditions and training and development of staff in these areas, as well as Ngangkari Services.

Service Providers include:

  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation
  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc.

Workforce Support

Increasing the quality of health care services

Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding is available to Aboriginal primary health care providers inclusive of Integrated Team Care Providers. Activities aim to:

  • Increase the participation of Aboriginal primary health care providers in professional development, inclusive of Integrated Team Care service providers
  • Increase access to culturally safe, comprehensive, and coordinated care
  • Increase capacity to provide quality services.
  • Enable best practice approach to delivery of care

Services who receive Workforce Support and Capacity Building funding change as according to the organisations communicated needs.

For more information go to our Digital Health and Practice Support pages.

Service Providers
  • Bamagee Aboriginal Corporation
  • FocusOne Health
  • Pika Wiya Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
  • Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service
  • Sonder
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Ngangkari Services

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health

A holistic health framework

The activity aims to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understandings of health and the complex interplay between cultural, spiritual, physical, social and emotional health. This is targeted at Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) to provide Ngangkari Services as part of a holistic health framework. It is to support the clinical activities undertaken and can serve to improve participation and engagement in lifestyle programs and education that needs to be undertaken.

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc.
  • Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service Inc.
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc.
  • Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation

Other funded services

Service providers who have access to these services via other funding areas include:

  • Oak Valley Health Service
  • Tullawon Health Service Inc.
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs

Supporting the Aboriginal community

Aboriginal Mental Health Services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services provide access to effective high-quality health care services in regional, rural and remote locations. This includes through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), wherever possible and appropriate, as well as through mainstream services delivering culturally appropriate primary health care.

This program enables Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people access to mental health services that are joined up, integrated, culturally appropriate and safe, and designed to holistically meet the mental health and healing needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people at the local level.

Read More

Service providers

  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc. (Riverland)
  • Moorundi Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Inc. (Murray Mallee)
  • Nganampa Health Council (APY Lands)
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (After-Hours – Coober Pedy)

Aboriginal Mental Health and AOD

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and AOD programs are designed to better support substance abuse services to identify and treat coinciding mental illness and substance abuse disorders (including those involving methamphetamine or ‘ice’) by greater service integration.

The program ensures culturally appropriate use of triage systems and processes to identify clients with mental illness and substance abuse disorders and where clients present with co-morbidities to integrated and coordinated care across these services.

Service Providers

  • Aboriginal Drug & Alcohol Council SA
  • Aboriginal Sobriety Group Inc. (Riverland)
  • Country and Outback Health
  • Life Without Barriers
  • Pangula Mannamurna Inc. (South East)
  • Sonder
  • Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation

Health navigation

Improving patient service navigation

The aim of the activity is to improve patient pathways of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in systematic discharge, referral and follow-up between hospital and primary health care services.

The objective of the activity is to develop a sustainable platform which identifies and addresses barriers to Aboriginal patient navigation through primary, secondary and tertiary health services.

Resources & Useful Links

Need support? Contact our Team

Contact Us
MBS Items

There is a list of MBS Items available for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and Primary Health Care Providers who deliver services to Aboriginal and Torre Strait Islander people from the Department of Health. MBS Online also provides information on specific MBS items.

Online learning resources are also available:

Cultural Awareness Training

Cultural Awareness Training is available through your local service providers delivering the ITC program. Please contact your local provider to access this assistance.

Ways to improve culturally safe services and quality care

There are some things that can your Practice can do to start moving your Practice to one that is culturally responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient needs which have been completed by the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care will be updating the standards required of health care providers in 2018. In these standards, Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People will be undertaken and will affect accreditation processes in the future. For more information please go to Improving care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Overview: Guide to better care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consumers (Word 503KB)

Asking the Question Resources

As the first step in providing culturally safe care that is tailored to the needs of patients, you first must know whether your patients identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin. You cannot tailor care if you do not know. To do this, there are resources dedicated to assist this process. The question must be asked in the exact same manner every single time and there are different ways that it could be implemented.  The strategies which are more suitable are largely dependent on your local area and your own practice context.

Indigenous Health Project Officers in your region, can assist you with Quality Improvement cycles in identification as well as providing you with local strategies that are the most appropriate.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Clinical Care

Health Pathways South Australia is an online portal that provides general practitioners and other health professionals with easy access to comprehensive, evidence-based assessment, management, and localised referral resources for specific health conditions. HealthPathways is both a model of working; bringing together clinicians across the health care sectors to co-develop pathways, and a tangible product in the form of an online health information portal.

There are clinical care pathways that are different for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across a range of health topics. Some of these are currently located in Health Pathways South Australia and are localised to the South Australian context. Different aspects to management and referral pathways are highlighted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Specific Resources

The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is a specific Website that delivers Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health information and resources across Australia to support practice in the delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It is extensive.

It contains many resources that cover a range of topics either specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context in South Australia, across other jurisdictions or nationally. If using resources that are either national or from other jurisdictions, please check with Indigenous Health Project Officers regarding local relevance of these resources.

Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations, and migrant groups from developing countries, have a higher prevalence of ARF and RHD compared to the general Australian population. ARF and RHD are notifiable under the South Australian Public Health Act 2011. For more information about the State-wide RHD Control Program, please see the SA Health website New Australian Guidelines were released in February 2020 and are available from the RHDAustralia website along with a diagnosis calculator app and accredited E-learning modules.

Diabetes Resources

There are a range of resources available to support the provision of Diabetes care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

There is a current project to deliver South Australian Aboriginal specific film resources currently underway and will be included on completion.

Ear Health Resources

Ear Health is a public health issue within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population within Country South Australia. HealthPathways South Australia provides a range of relevant resources regarding Otitis Media for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

A National health framework

Delivering better health care to the Aboriginal Community in SA

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

The current National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health guides all health activities in Australia. This is likely to significantly change post 2023 to be in line with the reforms in the National Partnership Agreement delivered in 2020. The Implementation Plan has also been provided to assist further in the implementation of these policies.

National Strategic Framework

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Mental Health and Social and Emotional Wellbeing 2017-2023

Download
Resources
Implementation Plans

Aboriginal Services

Supporting emotional and social wellbeing

There are multiple services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people being funded by Country SA PHN. The areas of funding include:

  • Integrated Team Care
  • Flexible Funding
  • Mental Health, Alcohol & Other Drugs Funding

Services co-designed with the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector have a strong basis in the Social and Emotional Wellbeing perspective, where physical health, while a key concern, is not the only concern and multiple factors affect physical health.

Contact Us

Chronic Disease Consortium

Improved health & wellbeing

Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.

The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward.

SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease

Visit the SA Aboriginal Chronic Disease website for more information.

Visit Site
Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map
Download PDF

COVID vaccination recall program with video messages from First Nations community leaders

Provide your patients with culturally appropriate information about COVID vaccination from trusted community leaders within your region.

Country SA PHN and Healthily with the use of GoShare Plus will use CAT4 to identify eligible patients to provide General Practices and Aboriginal Medical Services the opportunity to convey culturally appropriate video messages on the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19.

CSAPHN & Professional Research Bodies

Country SA PHN works closely with the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute in the connection between Aboriginal Health research and policy.

The Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Theme provide invaluable information to support the strategic direction of Aboriginal health policy in country South Australia.

Country SA PHN is part of the South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium, which was established to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal South Australians by working together in the prevention and support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic diseases.

The South Australian Aboriginal Chronic Disease Consortium Road Map for Action outlines the specific activities in which the partnership is striving toward. Aboriginal Health has a national policy framework that is delivered through the National Partnership Agreements between the Australian Government and the States and Territories of Australia. This agreement has a supporting National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023 delivered by the Department of Health and guides all health activities in Australia.

Read More
  • Look at the implications of research and what that may mean to services on the ground.
  • Look at areas where there are known gaps
  • Look at past and present researched responses to ensure gaps within the primary health care sector being addressed accordingly

Ensure research outcomes are applied within an Aboriginal context encompassing self-management and self-determination within a holistic health framework.

Contact

For further information on Aboriginal Health, please contact the team.

Contact Us

Quality improvement

Efficient, effective & coordinated health care

Improve Effectiveness

Increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of health services for people, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes

Improve Coordination

Improving the coordination of health services, and increasing access and quality support for people.

The clinical audit tools

Measure ongoing improvement activities

Get Started
CAT PLUS - Clinical Audit Tool CAT 4

The Clinical Audit Tool (CAT) suite of products, comprising CAT 4 and Cleansing CAT is a data extraction tool created by Pen Computer Systems Pty Ltd.  When used effectively, CAT scrutinizes the practice’s aggregated patient information and presents it in an easy-to-understand graphical format. 

The data analysis functions can be customised to suit practice needs, filtering by demographics, conditions and medications, allowing practices to target patients with particular needs or specific health risk profiles.  CAT is compatible with the majority of clinical desktop software.

Cleansing CAT

The Cleansing CAT module allows the easy identification of critical missing patient data by providing a set of predefined reports. These reports provide data that would otherwise require multiple filter selections and recalculation.

The reports available allow for identification of: missing demographic data missing clinical / accreditation data indicated Chronic Kidney Disease where no diagnosis is recorded indicated Diabetes where no diagnosis is recorded medication review for Diabetes with elevated HbA1c indicated Mental Health where no diagnosis is recorded indicated COPD where no diagnosis is recorded indicated Osteoporosis where no diagnosis is recorded Pen CS wishes to acknowledge the ideas and commitment to continually improving primary health care provided by Judy Evans, Manager e-health, RACGP in this project.

Access to the Practice Aggregation Tool (PAT CAT)

The PAT CAT function supports the collection of data from General Practices.  This can then be aggregated by region.  General Practice will receive a login, which enables them to view their data set against their aggregated regional group and all against all of the South Australian General Practice aggregated data.

Topbar Clinical System Support Tool

The Topbar supports the individual consult with applications to identify missing data fields, prompt for MBS items and a Patient health summary overview.  There is also a waiting room application which can prompt Reception staff to complete missing demographic information.

Best Practice Disease Management

A way of measuring systematic improvement processes.

Clinical data insights

  • Availability and use of ‘clean’ data, i.e. data fit for sharing.
  • Consistent coding of clinical information and recording information in the correct places.
  • Effective implementation and maintenance of registers.
  • Proactive call and recall systems.
  • Regular monitoring, review and update of systems.
  • Encouraging a whole of practice approach to use of these systems.
  • Implementing practice wide agreements on common coding and recording.
Need some support?

For more information on our Clinical Audit Tools please contact us.

Contact Us

Frequently asked questions

Measure ongoing improvement activities

What are the benefits to my practice?

Immediate potential benefits of using these tools in your practice may include:

  1. Enhanced quality and safety
  2. Efficient management of your patient population
  3. Effective identification and monitoring of high risk patients or specific target groups
  4. Demonstration of improved patient outcomes
  5. Encouragement for pro-active health care and preventive and early intervention activities
  6. Assistance in meeting accreditation standards and practice incentive payment (PIP) requirements such as the eHealth PIP
  7. Better quality practice data (i.e. completeness of practices clinical data will be improved)
  8. Easy identification of previously unseen gaps and opportunities for improvement
  9. Ability to monitor and track change over time demonstrating systematic quality improvement initiatives within the practice Data quality tools may be most effective when used within a systematic quality improvement approach, working as an adjunct to the clinical software, from which they create clinical extracts for in-practice analysis.
How do data extraction tools work?

Data extraction tools create a data extract that represents a snapshot of your clinical data at that point in time.  Practice staff can use the data extract file at any time, without further reference to your clinical software, and it allows you to view and export (into Excel) registers or lists of identified patients.

What commitment is required by my practice?

Training
Country SA PHN staff will provide training that includes data interpretation and opportunities for improved patient outcomes.  This training may be supplied via a number of mechanisms e.g. telephone support, computer-based training or on-site.

Time and resources
To get the best out of the extraction tools we suggest at least one general practitioner, nurse or practice manager, spends some time each week or month reviewing the extracted data. This could become part of your regular practice review process and the content could be presented at staff meetings to take advantage of the availability of such data.

Quarterly data share (optional)
A de-identified data extract to be sent to Country SA PHN on a quarterly basis. This is optional and will be subject to a separate Data Sharing Agreement should you agree to participate. Access to the tools is not conditional on your participation in data sharing.

How do I send data to Country SA PHN?

CAT4 has an optional function to send de-identified encrypted data sets securely to CSAPHN, via practice-initiated FTP upload direct to Country SA PHN’s server, and can only be sent with practice consent each time this function is utilised. No data leaves the practice without the practice’s initiation, knowledge and consent.  No identified patient data leaves the practice with any of the data quality tools provided by CSAPHN.