Aboriginal Health

via Clinician Assist WA

Access to Clinician Assist is available to all health professionals providing services to patients within Western Australia, individual login required.

Aboriginal Health Directories

• Perth Metro and Country WA 

Aboriginal Health Initiatives 

• Integrated Team Care (ITC)
• Health Assessments for Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander People (Item 715)
• PBS List for Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander patients 
• Practice Incentive Program - Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP-IHI)
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) Co-payment Measure
• Indigenous Health Project Officers 

Integrated Team Care 

• Perth Metro and Country WA

Travel Assistance 

• Perth Metro and Country WA

RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

The RACGP is committed to raising awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health needs and as a result, RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health was formed in February 2010, to help 'close the gap'.

An overview of the faculty and its activities is available here.

Resources from the RACGP

• Cultural awareness and safety training (suitable for participation in the Indigenous Health Incentive)
• National guide to a preventive health assessment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (plus associated resources)
• Five steps towards excellent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander healthcare

Resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients

WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) and the WA Department of Health have worked together to develop the following resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients:

• The Going to Hospital resource provides information about what to expect when going to hospital for an appointment or surgical procedure.
• The At Home resource provides information about what to expect after being discharged from hospital and managing a health condition at home.

Cultural Wealth Community Health

This publication, developed by Rural Health West, is an introduction to cultural awareness for health professionals working with and caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Western Australia. In the hope of achieving better health outcomes, the resource raises awareness about mutual respect and cultural understanding which underpins all aspects of the development of strong relationships with Indigenous patients and communities.

The resource is available online, or if you prefer a hard copy of the publication please contact Rural Health West or download an order form.

Cultural Awareness Training

It is recommended that medical and health professionals undertake cultural awareness and safety training prior to commencing work in Western Australia. 

The resources provided below are designed to develop further understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and how to deliver culturally appropriate healthcare.

Online Cultural Awareness and Safety Training

• ACRRM Cultural Awareness - PIP Indigenous Health Incentive (suitable for participating in the Indigenous Health Incentive)
• WA Country Health Service, Disability Services Commission and Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health - Aboriginal Cultural

Orientation Plan for Health Professionals

• iCAT Online Cultural Awareness Training - 'After Sorry'
• An Introduction to Cross-Cultural Awareness - Why Warriors

Registered Cultural Awareness and Safety Training Providers

• Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA) 
• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
• Cancer Council of Western Australia Aboriginal Cultural Safety in Palliative Care 
• Indigenous Services Australia 
• Reconciliation Australia
• WAGPET Cultural Awareness Training

Practice Assist Resource Library 

• MBS items in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Care (Cheat Sheet)
• Indigenous Health Incentive (Fact Sheet)
• NSQHS Standards: User Guide for Aboriginal and Torrest Strait Islander Health (PDF)
• Tips to assist with improving immunisation for Aboriginal children in general practice (Tips Sheet)
• Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australian general practice (PDF)