Inequities in Aboriginal health--access to the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan

The prevalence of asthma is higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults than in non-Indigenous Australian adults in all age groups, and hospitalisation rates for acute asthma episodes are much higher, indicating suboptimal prevention. A 2001-2002 Australian Federal Budget initiative, the Asthma 3+ Plan, encouraged doctors to talk to their patients about asthma management over at least three visits and provide an asthma action plan.

This article reports on the findings of a study examining the uptake of the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan initiative among Aboriginal community controlled health services.

Significant barriers prevent ACCHSs accessing the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan limiting Aboriginal people's capacity to benefit. In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient access to both spacer devices and asthma medication is often poor. A targeted asthma information strategy is needed, and spacer devices must be made accessible to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Chronic disease management Medicare items offer a preferable and alternative funding mechanism for asthma care, if supplemented by pharmaceutical access reforms.