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Corresponding Author

Annabelle Wilson. Email: annabelle.wilson@flinders.edu.au

Authors

Annabelle Wilson, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Tamara Mackean, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Liz Withall, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Eileen M. Willis, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Odette Pearson, Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Colleen Hayes, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Alice Springs, AustraliaFollow
Kim O'Donnell, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Janet Kelly, Janet Kelly, Adelaide Nursing School, The University of Adelaide; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Kerry Taylor, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Judith Dwyer, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow
Elizabeth Bourke, The George Institute for Global Health, University of NSW; Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Kate Hunter, The George Institute for Global Health, University of NSW; Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Lorna Murakami-Gold, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Alice Springs, AustraliaFollow
Rebecca Ivers, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales; Sydney, AustraliaFollow
Fran Baum, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University; Adelaide, AustraliaFollow

Abstract

Objectives
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners and Liaison Officers play an important, often critical role providing advocacy and cultural and emotional support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The main goals of this research are to explore i) how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners and Liaison Officers are integrated in the routine delivery of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in hospital, and ii) how the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners and Liaison Officers facilitates quality health outcomes.

Methods
This study is being conducted in three different hospitals using a multi-method approach including: yarning and Dadirri, patient journey mapping, survey and semi-structured interviews. Ethics approval has been provided from four ethics committees covering the three project sites in Australia (Adelaide, South Australia; Sydney, New South Wales and Alice Springs, Northern Territory).

Significance
This study uses innovative methodology founded on the privileging of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledges to collect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and understand patient journeys within acute health care systems. This project is led by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers and guided by the Project Steering Committee comprised of stakeholders.

Implications
There is limited research that explores quality acute care processes and the integration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers/Practitioners work within health care teams. This research will make a valuable contribution to understanding how hospital services can achieve quality acute health care experiences for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

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