Way Forward: an Indigenous approach to well-being

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health
• Mental Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy

Background:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals experience higher rates of mental illness and underutilization of preventative services in Queensland, Australia.
• Existing mental health services require enhancement to effectively address the needs of Indigenous Australians.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a project aimed at improving mental health, alcohol, and other drug (AOD) outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members.
• To enhance the model of care within two metropolitan Hospital and Health Services in Brisbane.

Main Methods:

• Utilized individual and focus group consultations with stakeholders to identify key themes and priorities.
• Engaged with community members and service providers to inform the project's direction.

Main Results:

• Identified three priority areas: workforce governance and supervision in Indigenous mental health and AOD, cultural capability of non-Indigenous clinicians, and consumer access to services.
• Highlighted the need for culturally responsive and accessible mental health and AOD services.

Conclusions:

• The Way Forward project proposes a comprehensive workforce redesign to address identified priorities.
• Emphasizes leveraging the strengths and cultural knowledge of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.
• Advocates for collaborative relationships with Community-controlled health organizations and other key partners for service improvement and evaluation.