Chronic Care for Aboriginal People Models of Care

Chronic Care for Aboriginal People Model of Care has been published by the NSW Health Clinical Services Redesign Project as a step-by-step guide for health professionals treating Aboriginal people with chronic conditions. Four major diseases are the focus: heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease and kidney disease.

The purpose of this document is to highlight the need to move from a traditional approach in health care to a model that considers the special needs of Aboriginal people. Eight fundamental elements were identified as being essential to the model of care for working with chronic disease in Aboriginal communities. They are Identification, Trust, Screening and Assessment, Clinical Indicators, Treatment, Education, Referral and Follow up. The element of "trust" is seen to be the most significant difference between this and other models of care.