title: A strategy for translating evidence into policy and practice to close the gap - developing essential service standards for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cardiovascular care.
abstract: The development and application of essential standards for cardiovascular care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people creates a strategic platform on which to systematically close the gap in the health outcomes and life expectancy between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people in Australia. We outline six developmental stages that can be used to enhance the effective translation of evidence into practice that reduces life expectancy differentials. Focussing efforts where the biggest gain can be made; considering how to make a policy-relevant difference with an emphasis on translation into policy and practice; establishing a foundation for action by engaging with stakeholders throughout the process; developing a framework to guide action; drafting policy-relevant and framework-appropriate essential service standards; and defining standards that help policy decision makers achieve current priority policy targets.
authors.affiliation: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). PO Box 11060, Adelaide SA 5001; School of Population Health, University of South Australia; Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Victoria 8008. Electronic address: Alex.Brown@sahmri.com.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). PO Box 11060, Adelaide SA 5001; School of Population Health, University of South Australia.
authors.forename: Rebekah L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.affiliation: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). PO Box 11060, Adelaide SA 5001; School of Population Health, University of South Australia.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mott
authors.affiliation: South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI). PO Box 11060, Adelaide SA 5001; School of Population Health, University of South Australia.
authors.forename: Katharine F
authors.initials: KF
authors.lastname: McBride
authors.affiliation: Tony Lawson Consulting, 29 Elizabeth Street, Norwood, SA 5067.
authors.forename: Tony
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lawson
authors.affiliation: Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute. PO Box 6492, St Kilda Road Central, Victoria 8008.
authors.forename: Garry L R
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Jennings
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D008017:Life Expectancy; D008297:Male; D000095283:Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
keywords: Australia; Cardiovascular diseases; Healthcare disparities; Indigenous; Knowledge translation; Standard of Care