A pilot research program to provide culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Ramsay Connect, Australian Unity Aboriginal Home Health and The University of Queensland are working together to pilot Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service (DUOSS), a new program to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people manage their type 2 diabetes. DUOSS has been developed with First Nation representatives in consultation with clinical experts and local healthcare providers. This project received MRFF funding from the Australian Government's Targeted Translation Research Accelerator program, delivered by MTPConnect.

What does the program do?

DUOSS is a technology enabled service designed to be flexible in its delivery, allowing patients to receive care most suitable to their health needs. This includes service delivery in the home, in the community, by telephone or through remote patient monitoring.

The service will provide holistic care and support in collaboration with the patient's existing health care team. Participants who join the program will learn more about diabetes, how it can change their body and get culturally appropriate support to manage their condition. This includes appointments with a Diabetes Educator, Registered Nurse and Aboriginal Health Worker. Participants can decide what they want to achieve by setting their own diabetes health goals.

Services included in the program:

• Yarn Ups on diabetes
• Diabetes education for the participant, their family and community
• Support for patient self-monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, physical activity, and weight
• Optional home visits from the DUOSS team to support self-monitoring activities
• Availability of a GP led, protocol driven insulin titration performed by our Diabetes Educator (with GP authorisation only)
• Integration with existing services and health professionals already involved in the participant’s care and care coordination if additional services are required
• Equipment enabling participation is provided free of charge to participants

“I have been a Registered Nurse for over 12 years in many different sectors of nursing and healthcare and now I am very excited to have the opportunity to work closely with our First Nations patients affected by Diabetes. The DUOSS project will allow us to provide culturally safe care for better health outcomes within our First Nations communities.”

- Simone is a proud Wiradjuri woman and the Great Granddaughter of William (Bill) Ferguson Aboriginal Rights Activist and is one of the Registered Nurses working on the service

Supporting artwork produced for DUOSS by FNCWR with aboriginal artist Craig Carson, Wakka Wakka.