Health services for Indigenous children in remote Australia: a strategic literature review

Abstract

Introduction: There is a significant gap between health outcomes in Indigenous and non-Indigenous children, which may relate to inequity in health service provision, particularly in remote areas. We aim to review the literature to describe health services and their use by children living in remote Australia, comparing them to best practice models to identify opportunities for improvements.Methods: Electronic-databases of medical literature were searched from Jan 1990 to Dec 2013. Grey literature was identified through investigation of websites, including local, state and national health departments. Essential information was extracted and summarised for papers meeting inclusion criteria for the review.Results: A total of 45 titles was identified in a strategic search of electronic medical databases and 47 in the grey literature. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. Data were extracted from 92 documents.Conclusions: Barriers exist to effective child health service delivery in remote Australia including availability and access. Existing services cannot meet demand. Gold standard models for service delivery incorporating community engagement and collaboration should be explored. Increased resources and focus on primary prevention and health promotion are essential.

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“…Specifically, Indigenous children living in remote areas experience a greater burden of disease than children living in major cities. 41 While the health outcomes of people living in remote locations are poorer than those living in cities, the differences in children's developmental outcomes between proximate and remote areas are likely to be explained by geographical and demographic factors. 42 The benefit of routine screening and outcome monitoring and general practitioner shared care Routine screening for symptoms and quality of life using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and using this information to guide patient care have been shown to lead to significant improvements in patient care and outcomes.…”

“…Children living in remote areas face inequities of access to healthcare and outcomes in health39 40 that contribute to developmental delays and subsequent poorer education and health outcomes. Specifically, Indigenous children living in remote areas experience a greater burden of disease than children living in major cities 41. While the health outcomes of people living in remote locations are poorer than those living in cities, the differences in children’s developmental outcomes between proximate and remote areas are likely to be explained by geographical and demographic factors 42…”

“…Specifically, Indigenous children living in remote areas experience a greater burden of disease than children living in major cities. 41 While the health outcomes of people living in remote locations are poorer than those living in cities, the differences in children’s developmental outcomes between proximate and remote areas are likely to be explained by geographical and demographic factors. 42 …”