Investigators: Andre Schultz, Pamela Laird
Project description
Chronic wet cough, highly prevalent in Aboriginal children in the Kimberley, can lead to permanent lung damage if untreated.
Our work in the Kimberley has shown that (a) Aboriginal children across the northern parts of Australia are commonly affected by chronic wet cough, (b) doctors and other health practitioners are generally not aware of national guidelines outlining the optimal management of chronic wet cough and protracted bacterial bronchitis (PBB) – the most common cause for chronic wet cough in Aboriginal children, and (c) doctors and other health practitioners need and want training in the management of chronic wet cough and PBB and also in culturally appropriate ways of engaging with families with regards to paediatric lung health.
We received funding and are developing an on-line training module for doctors and other health practitioners in the above. The training modules are based on lectures/presentations that CIs Schultz and Laird frequently give in person. We demonstrated effectiveness of the training in a separate project. We now need funding to consolidate this.
Aim
To build medical, nursing, allied health workforce capacity in WA in culturally appropriate ways to engage with Aboriginal families in paediatric lung health
Objective
To facilitate widespread implementation and use, within health-care systems, of electronic, on-line, training modules in paediatric Aboriginal lung health.
Methods
We will utilize knowledge translation and implementation science strategies to implement use of the on-line training modules across health services that serve the northern parts of WA. Reach and effectiveness of the modules will be measured.
Expected outcomes
Improved proficiency in delivering culturally appropriate paediatric Aboriginal lung health care will benefit children and their families. The effect is expected translate to management of other diseases i.e. create a cultural shift within healthcare organisations where doctors, nurses and other health care practitioners are better equipped to provide care for Aboriginal children.
Collaborators
- Anne Chang (Menzies School of Health Research)
- Fenella Gill (Curtin University)