Enhancing interprofessional practice through the co-design of a holistic culturally and developmentally informed First Nations child health assessment.

BACKGROUND: This qualitative study explored staff experiences of co-designing and implementing a novel interprofessional (IP) First Nations child health assessment (the helpful check), developed in partnership with a remote North-Queensland Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Organisation. METHOD: Eleven staff across two teams (family health and allied health) were involved in co-designing and implementing the child health assessment and associated IP practices. Interviews were undertaken using a semi-structured interview template and were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three overarching themes were developed: (1) connect teams by building strong relationships; (2) leave space for helpful check processes to evolve; and (3) integrate helpful check processes into routine practice to sustain change. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate how the incorporation of IP practices into a remote primary healthcare setting led to perceived benefits for both the health service staff and clients.

Integrating cultural considerations and developmental screening into an Australian First Nations child health check.

The aim of the present study was to integrate cultural considerations and developmental screening into a First Nations child health check. The 'Share and Care Check,' an optimised child health check, was co-designed with a remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and led by Aboriginal Health Practitioners/Workers. Of 55 families who completed the Share and Care Check, the majority of participants indicated that their family/child was connected with their tribe and country. However, half of the caregivers reported that they or their child would like to know more about their tribe. The most common developmental screening outcome was no functional concerns (32.7%), followed by having one area identified as a functional concern (24.5%) and two functional concerns (16.3%). All caregivers reported that the Share and Care Check was culturally appropriate, and the majority also reported that it was helpful. Data obtained from questions regarding cultural and developmental aspects of health can assist health providers regarding the best pathway of support for a child and their family. This could ultimately contribute to closing the gap through the provision of holistic culturally appropriate services.

Post-tobacco master settlement agreement: policy and practice implications for social workers.

The 1998 Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) was developed between states and tobacco manufacturers to settle the states' lawsuits against tobacco manufacturers and recover tobacco health-related costs. States won billions of dollars and concessions regarding how tobacco products could be advertised. The purpose of the MSA was to prevent cigarette smoking and compensate for health expenses incurred in the treatment of tobacco smoking-related illnesses. Twelve years after the settlement, it is clear that MSA monies have been gravely diverted from tobacco prevention and cessation programs to balance budgets. The authors' review indicates that increases in funding for state tobacco prevention and cessation programs reduce tobacco use across all populations. Implications for social policy and social work practice are offered.