title: Health assessments for Indigenous Australians at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service: health problems identified and subsequent follow up.
abstract: This study aimed to document the types, management and follow up of health issues identified by all Aboriginal Health Assessments (AHA) performed at Orange Aboriginal Medical Service from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012. This was done with a retrospective audit of clinical records. In total, 1169 AHAs were performed: 41% child, 53% adult and 6% older person AHAs. Newly identified health issues were documented in 85% (984). Being overweight (41%; 476) and smoking (26%; 301) were the common risk factors identified. As a result of the AHA, most children who were not up-to-date with their vaccinations received catch-up immunisations; 11% (36) of adult women (n=314) received a Pap smear, although Pap smear status was unknown or not up-to-date for 61% (192); 27% (311) of cases were prescribed new medication; and 1239 referrals were made but only 40% were attended. At 6 months following the AHA, 26% (240) of cases with newly identified health issues were completely managed and followed up, whereas 25% (226) received no follow up. The AHAs are useful for identifying new health issues; however, follow up of the identified health issues should be improved. If AHAs are to improve health outcomes, appropriate management and follow up of the identified health issues are essential.
authors.affiliation: Bathurst Rural Clinical School, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 9008, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia.
authors.forename: Tegan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Dutton
authors.affiliation: Bathurst Rural Clinical School, University of Western Sydney, PO Box 9008, Bathurst, NSW 2795, Australia.
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.affiliation: Orange Aboriginal Medical Service, Units 4 and 5, 9 Gateway Crescent, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors