title: 'It's got to be another approach': an Aboriginal health worker perspective on cardiovascular risk screening and education.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Aboriginal Australians have a higher burden from cardiovascular disease. This study provides a new perspective from Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) working in the area of heart health in the Aboriginal community of western Sydney.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight AHWs and Aboriginal nurses were interviewed and thematic analysis undertaken. Analysis was refined in group and individual discussions with participants in a participatory approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  AHW assessment was reported to differ from the biomedical model. AHWs were seen to play an important part in cardiovascular risk assessment and education due to their access and credibility to clients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  AHWs are well placed and keen to be a part of the team that assesses cardiovascular risk. However, lack of recognition of the AHWs' skills and lack of access to formal training are current barriers to enhancing their role in the heart health team.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, MClinTRes, Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, NSW. Currently, Basic Physician Trainee, Westmed Network, NSW.
authors.forename: Tejas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Deshmukh
authors.forename: Penelope
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reath
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000208:ethnology*; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000592:standards*; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D024382:Professional Role; D012307:Risk Factors; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*