Accuracy of reporting of Aboriginality on administrative health data collections using linked data in NSW, Australia.

Background: Aboriginal people are under-reported on administrative health data in Australia. Various approaches have been used or proposed to improve reporting of Aboriginal people using linked records. This cross-sectional study used self-reported Aboriginality from the NSW Patient Survey Program (PSP) as a reference standard to assess the accuracy of reporting of Aboriginal people on NSW Admitted Patient (APDC) and Emergency Department Data Collections (EDDC), and compare the accuracy of selected approaches to enhance reporting Aboriginality using linked data.

Cardiac procedures in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction - the influence of age, geography and Aboriginality.

Background: Timely restoration of bloodflow acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) reduces myocardial damage and improves prognosis. The objective of this study was describe the association of demographic factors with hospitalisation rates for STEMI and time to angiography, Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia.

Methods: This was an observational cohort study using linked population health data.

Better cardiac care: health professional's perspectives of the barriers and enablers of health communication and education with patients of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

Background: A body of knowledge continues to grow regarding Aboriginal perspectives on current challenges and barriers to health literacy and access to health services. However, less is known from the perspectives of health professionals who work in cardiac care. Given their role in delivering patient education, health practitioners could provide useful insights into potential solutions to improve patient-practitioner communication.

Home to health care to hospital: Evaluation of a cancer care team based in Australian Aboriginal primary care.

Objective: To evaluate the acceptability of a cancer care team based at an Australian Aboriginal medical service in supporting patients' cancer journeys and to assess improvements in access to cancer care.

Design: The cancer care team consisted of an Australian Aboriginal health worker, counsellor and enrolled nurse employed for 2 days a week, supported by a general practitioner. The cancer care team supported patients from prediagnosis while investigations were being undertaken, at diagnosis and through treatment, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and follow-up, including to palliative care and grief support where these were required.

The reach and flow of health information in two Aboriginal communities: a social network analysis.

The aim of the present paper was to explore how social networks enable dissemination of health information within two Aboriginal communities in New South Wales. The study design was modelled on a social network analysis socio-centric model. Data collection was conducted primarily by Aboriginal community members who were trained as community researchers.