Introduction: The Care Coordination and Supplementary Services program (CCSS) was designed by the government to assist Aboriginal people burdened with a chronic health issue access appropriate mainstream health care. The program is essentially categorised into either Care Coordination or Supplementary Services. The former provides a client with a nurse or Aboriginal Health Officer (Care Coordinators) to navigate services required and to provide health pathways. Supplementary services provide funding for equipment needed to manage chronic illness.
The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of the CCSS program on the Aboriginal community in the Eastern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne.
Methods: This research design is qualitative inquiry underpinned by a theoretical framework of phenomenology. Care Coordinators were privy to direct observation of the clients and provided the data in the form of client cases. Seven case studies were provided for analysis. This information was collated and analysed. Data is analysed holistically.
Results: Nearly all cases illustrated clients were suffering from multiple issues. Mental health issues and problems with alcohol and other drugs, as well as the burdens of chronic disease, were common among clients.
It was found that the CCSS program is of great benefit for community members with not only co-morbid issues but with financial or social problems and other determinants of health. The care delivered to clients is culturally sensitive, increases connection to community, provides pathways to mental health assistance and increases self-management of chronic disease.