Cross-sector collaborations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander childhood disability: a systematic integrative review and theory-based synthesis

Abstract

IntroductionAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in Australia experience a higher prevalence of disability and socio-economic disadvantage than other Australian children. Early intervention is vital for improved health outcomes, but complex and fragmented service provision impedes access. There have been international and national policy shifts towards inter-sector collaborative responses to disability, but more needs to be known about how collaboration works in practice.MethodsA systematic integrative literature review using a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed and grey literature was undertaken to describe components of inter- and intra-sector collaborations among services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with a disability and their families. The findings were synthesized using the conceptual model of the ecological framework.ResultsThirteen articles published in a peer-reviewed journal and 18 articles from the grey literature met inclusion criteria. Important factors in inter- and intra-sector collaborations identified included: structure of government departments and agencies, and policies at the macro- (government) system level; communication, financial and human resources, and service delivery setting at the exo- (organizational) system level; and relationships and inter- and intra-professional learning at the meso- (provider) system level.ConclusionsThe policy shift towards inter-sector collaborative approaches represents an opportunity for the health, education and social service sectors and their providers to work collaboratively in innovative ways to improve service access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with a disability and their families. The findings of this review depict a national snapshot of collaboration, but as each community is unique, further research into collaboration within local contexts is required to ensure collaborative solutions to improve service access are responsive to local needs and sustainable.

Cross-sector Service Provision in Health and Social Care: An Umbrella Review

“…Findings from this umbrella review further support the notion that clarification of roles is critical to the success of cross-sector service provision [418262729]. Hillier et al [26] mention that clarifying roles through observing each other’s work contributes to the success of the service delivery.…”

“…Green et al [18] mention the negative impact racism and historical trauma have on cross-sector service provision and this is similar to the discussion in Sloper [10] that relates to the negative impact stereotypes have on staff building strong connections with one another. However, other authors did not mention these notions.…”

“…As Davies et al [21], Fisher and Elnitsky [25] and Green et al [18] outline, cross-sector service provision can occur at three levels. Davies et al [21] and Fisher and Elnitsky [25] label the levels as micro/patient, meso/organisational or macro/strategic.…”

“…Communication (or its absence) is frequently identified as a facilitator or barrier to providing effective cross-sector service provision [417182627]. Many sectors have their own language or jargon [426], and as Hillier et al.…”

Indigenous Australians with autism: A scoping review

“…Taking a different approach, Green et al (2014) completed a review of the literature on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with all disabilities, including but not limited to autism. The review, published as a full-length article, focused on issues related to cross-sector collaborations in the delivery of disability support services.…”