Burning Health Inequality

Justin Hunt¹, Carl Gooch Jason Brown
¹Royal Brisbane And Women’s Hospital

Abstract

Purpose:
This poster highlights the initiatives undertaken by a health service and burns unit to address health disparities and inequalities faced by Indigenous Australians undergoing burns treatment, with the aim of promoting discussion and encouraging further action to address these injustices.
Background:
Indigenous Australians experience significant health disparities compared to non-indigenous Australians, with a life expectancy 17 years below the national average and a relative disease burden of 2.2 times that of the rest of the population. Indigenous people are 2.4 times more likely to be admitted with burns injuries and five times more likely to discharge against medical advice (AIHW, 2023).
Methods:
A hospital-wide reconciliation action plan was implemented in consultation with Indigenous leaders and community groups. The burns unit staff received training in culturally sensitive care and the unit was made more indigenous-friendly through cultural imagery. Telehealth services were expanded for rural outreach, and a hospital-wide Indigenous liaison service was created for patients and their families. An Indigenous nurse-navigator role was created for health checks and to support patients attending outpatient appointments.
Conclusion:
Addressing health disparities and promoting cultural sensitivity in burns treatment for Indigenous Australians requires collaboration and action from all stakeholders. The initiatives implemented by the hospital serve are an important model for other healthcare institutions.
1.Cultural safety in health care for Indigenous Australians: Monitoring Framework, module 2: Patient experience of health care (2023) Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Available at: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/indigenous-australians/cultural-safety-health-care-framework/contents/module-2-patient-experience-of-health-care (Accessed: May 1, 2023).

Biography

Justin is a Junior House Officer at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital in QLD. He is passionate about burns management and evidence-based practice to improve outcomes for all patients.