Sectoral system capacity development in health promotion: evaluation of an Aboriginal nutrition program

Abstract

Issue addressed The study examined effective ways to build the capacity of health organisations and professionals in the public health sector to reduce Aboriginal chronic disease risk factors. It investigated the capacity-building strategies of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) nutrition team in the facilitation of the statewide implementation of the Victorian Aboriginal Nutrition and Physical Activity Strategy 2009-2014 (VANPAS). Methods Using a qualitative design, the study analysed the VACCHO program from 2009-2014 across five domains of capacity development: workforce, resources, organisations, partnerships and leadership. Data were sourced from archival program documents and 62 semi-structured participant interviews. Results Diverse Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal professional, organisation representatives and community participants engaged in the implementation of the VANPAS. The VACCHO team used the VANPAS to solidify participant buy-in, strengthen workforce effectiveness, increase health promotion and resource appropriateness, improve organisational policy and build an evidence-base through collaborative dialogue using action-reflection principles. Conclusion A credible, high-profile Aboriginal community led and evidence-based statewide program and a commitment to dialogue through action-reflection provided a meaningful basis for both Aboriginal community and mainstream organisational engagement. Upon this foundation, the VACCHO team built a coherent sectoral system with increased capacity to enhance the nutrition of Aboriginal Victorians. So what? In an historical context of mistrust and unmet expectations, program implementation methods that build confidence amongst collaborating Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health agencies is fundamental to building capacity to enhance Aboriginal nutrition and health.

Geographical analysis of evaluated chronic disease programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Australian primary health care setting: a systematic scoping review

“…Strong evidence supports the role of Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and other Aboriginal organisations in improving the accessibility, appropriateness and effectiveness of primary health care services through the provision of culturally appropriate care which respects the cultural values and beliefs of Aboriginal people [8]. Therefore, the involvement of ACCHOs and other Aboriginal organisations in the design and implementation of chronic disease programs is imperative [15, 17–19]. Moreover, a community-based approach to program design, implementation, evaluation, sustainability and transferability acknowledges the diversity of Aboriginal culture, language and customs [10].…”

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are taking a leading role in COVID‐19 health communication

“…[1][2][3] The evidence around effective crisis communication indicates that it needs to be timely, clear, concise and appropriate to the target audience. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Communication is particularly important for those at higher risk during the crisis, 3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] such as people who are immunocompromised, the elderly, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 7 2020 vol.…”

“…This is despite the overwhelming evidence that health promotion messages need to be tailored for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. [8][9][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20] To fill the gap, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) have demonstrated their capacity to deliver scientifically valid, evidence-based and culturally translated COVID-19 prevention messages. The ACCHO sectors' understanding of population health has led to a strong history of culturally centred health promotion and social marketing materials.…”