Introduction: Patients who are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander do not always feel comfortable or culturally safe identifying as Indigenous Australian to primary health care providers.
As part of business as usual, the Eastern Melbourne PHN (EMPHN) visit practices within the local catchment area to discuss services and incentives available to Aboriginal patients who are burdened with chronic disease. These visits have revealed that Aboriginal patients do not immediately self-identify or do not self-identify at all. Subsequently, many Aboriginal patients are not accessing coordinated integrated services and funding supplements available to them. This can negatively impact on the successful management of chronic disease outcomes.
Following a review of the literature regarding Aboriginal self-identification at primary health care services, it was identified that there is a current paucity of evidence. Therefore, the aim of this project is to explore the barriers for identifying as Aboriginal at primary health care services. The objectives of the project will be to:
Research Design and Methodology: The current research project will be qualitative, underpinned by a conceptual framework of phenomenology. As a methodological framework, phenomenology explores the lived experiences of a particular group of people. In the case of this current study, this will be Aboriginal patients presenting at General Practices. Data will be thematically analysed to ascertain emerging patterns and themes throughout the data.
Participants: Purposive sampling is used for this research project as we are investigating a phenomenon experienced by specific people in the population. We are looking to interview 40 participants to ensure saturation and to gain rich information from a variety of community members. Participants will also be provided with a $50 food voucher as compensation for their time.
Results: Results will be shared at the conference as the project will have collected data at that stage of the project