A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers

Background: Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a vital role in accessing communities and implementing culturally appropriate interventions to address cardiovascular risk factor modification.Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a collaborative model of cardiovascular education for A...

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Main Authors: Davidson, Patricia, DiGiacomo, Michelle, Abbott, P., Zecchin, R., Heal, P., Mieni, L., Sheerin, N., Smith, J., Mark, A., Bradbery, B., Davison, J.
Format: Journal Article
Published: Australasian Medical Publishing Company Pty Ltd 2008
Subjects:
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/33022
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author Davidson, Patricia
DiGiacomo, Michelle
Abbott, P.
Zecchin, R.
Heal, P.
Mieni, L.
Sheerin, N.
Smith, J.
Mark, A.
Bradbery, B.
Davison, J.
author_facet Davidson, Patricia
DiGiacomo, Michelle
Abbott, P.
Zecchin, R.
Heal, P.
Mieni, L.
Sheerin, N.
Smith, J.
Mark, A.
Bradbery, B.
Davison, J.
author_sort Davidson, Patricia
building Curtin Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description Background: Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a vital role in accessing communities and implementing culturally appropriate interventions to address cardiovascular risk factor modification.Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a collaborative model of cardiovascular education for AHWs conducted within a partnership model.Method: A steering committee was established using a partnership model between key education providers, policy makers, non-government organisations, the local area health service and Aboriginal community controlled organisations. This group negotiated a strategic implementation plan based on increasing collaboration, skill development, cultural competence and increasing access to mentorship and expertise for AHWs. A group of 21 AHWs, within two cohorts, undertook the program between October 2005 and June 2006. A mixed-method evaluation using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was undertaken prospectively.Findings: Knowledge and confidence scores significantly increased for all participants over the course duration. Student evaluation demonstrated a desire for group based activities and highly valued clinical visits. Feedback on both outcome and process measures will inform course delivery and design.Conclusion: Improvements in cardiovascular knowledge scores and levels of confidence are indicative of the efficacy of the curriculum design and course delivery method. The partnerships forged in this collaborative model have significant and promising implications for improving the cardiovascular health of Aboriginal Australians.
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spelling curtin-20.500.11937-330222017-01-30T13:34:30Z A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers Davidson, Patricia DiGiacomo, Michelle Abbott, P. Zecchin, R. Heal, P. Mieni, L. Sheerin, N. Smith, J. Mark, A. Bradbery, B. Davison, J. Aboriginal Health Workers CVD Background: Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a vital role in accessing communities and implementing culturally appropriate interventions to address cardiovascular risk factor modification.Aim: To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a collaborative model of cardiovascular education for AHWs conducted within a partnership model.Method: A steering committee was established using a partnership model between key education providers, policy makers, non-government organisations, the local area health service and Aboriginal community controlled organisations. This group negotiated a strategic implementation plan based on increasing collaboration, skill development, cultural competence and increasing access to mentorship and expertise for AHWs. A group of 21 AHWs, within two cohorts, undertook the program between October 2005 and June 2006. A mixed-method evaluation using quantitative and qualitative data collection methods was undertaken prospectively.Findings: Knowledge and confidence scores significantly increased for all participants over the course duration. Student evaluation demonstrated a desire for group based activities and highly valued clinical visits. Feedback on both outcome and process measures will inform course delivery and design.Conclusion: Improvements in cardiovascular knowledge scores and levels of confidence are indicative of the efficacy of the curriculum design and course delivery method. The partnerships forged in this collaborative model have significant and promising implications for improving the cardiovascular health of Aboriginal Australians. 2008 Journal Article http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/33022 Australasian Medical Publishing Company Pty Ltd restricted
spellingShingle Aboriginal Health Workers
CVD
Davidson, Patricia
DiGiacomo, Michelle
Abbott, P.
Zecchin, R.
Heal, P.
Mieni, L.
Sheerin, N.
Smith, J.
Mark, A.
Bradbery, B.
Davison, J.
A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title_full A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title_fullStr A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title_full_unstemmed A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title_short A partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for Aboriginal Health Workers
title_sort partnership model in the development and implementation of a collaborative, cardiovascular education program for aboriginal health workers
topic Aboriginal Health Workers
CVD
url http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/33022