Inequities in Aboriginal health--access to the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan.
BACKGROUND
The prevalence of asthma is higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults than in non-Indigenous Australian adults in all age groups, and hospitalisation rates for acute asthma episodes are much higher, indicating suboptimal prevention. A 2001-2002 Australian Federal Budget initiative, the Asthma 3+ Plan, encouraged doctors to talk to their patients about asthma management over at least three visits and provide an asthma action plan.


OBJECTIVE
This article reports on the findings of a study examining the uptake of the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan initiative among Aboriginal community controlled health services.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant barriers prevent ACCHSs accessing the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan limiting Aboriginal people's capacity to benefit. In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient access to both spacer devices and asthma medication is often poor. A targeted asthma information strategy is needed, and spacer devices must be made accessible to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Chronic disease management Medicare items offer a preferable and alternative funding mechanism for asthma care, if supplemented by pharmaceutical access reforms.
Couzos
Sophie
S
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Canberra, ACT. scouzos@tpgi.com.au
Davis
Scott
S
D000368:Aged; D001249:Asthma / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D009517:New South Wales; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires