The Managing Two Worlds Together project aims to add to existing knowledge of what works well and what needs improvement in the system of care for Aboriginal patients from rural and remote areas of South Australia (and parts of the Northern Territory). It explores their complex patient journeys and what happens when they come to Adelaide for hospital care

The relationship between patients and health care providers is the foundation of care and requires communication across cultures, geography and life experiences. As a staff member in one rural Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service put it: ‘It's like managing two worlds together, it doesn't always work'.

Stage 1 of the project focuses on the problems. Four studies were conducted and are reported in six documents:

• Managing Two Worlds Together: City Hospital Care for Country Aboriginal People Project Report
• Managing Two Worlds Together: City Hospital Care for Country Aboriginal People Community Summary
• Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 1-Report on Admissions and Costs
• Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 2-Staff Perspectives on Care for Country Aboriginal Patients
• Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 3-The Experiences of Patients and Their Carers
• Managing Two Worlds Together: Study 4-Complex Country Aboriginal Patient Journeys

Stage 2 will focus on solutions and will consist of a small set of action research projects. During 2012 the research team will work with partner organisations in this study to develop and/or document the implementation of strategies to improve the health care journeys for country Aboriginal patients, based on existing good practice and on the findings of Stage 1.

Cover Artwork: Rama Sampson painting (no.74) titled Kuntjanu - Mingkiri Tjuta Tjukurpa (Marsupial Mouse Dreaming) Certificate (PDF 567KB) courtesy Better World Arts.

 

For more information about Stage 1 and 2 of the project:

Please contact Janet Kelly, janet.kelly@flinders.edu.au , ph 08 82017765.

 

Download:

• M2WT Community Summary (PDF 514KB)
• PowerPoint Presentations

 

Watch the 'Managing Two Worlds Together' report launch:

• Session 1
• Session 2