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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 49(3)

Evaluation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outpatient Clinic: a mixed-methods study

Tanya Druce A B * , Susan Cronin B , Ashleigh Vandenberg B and Debra Kerr A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Nursing & Midwifery, Centre for Quality & Patient Safety Research in the Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Geelong, Vic, Australia.

B Western Health/Deakin Partnership, 176 Furlong Road, St Albans, Vic 3021, Australia.

* Correspondence to: t.druce@deakin.edu.au

Australian Health Review 49, AH25041 https://doi.org/10.1071/AH25041
Submitted: 21 February 2025  Accepted: 1 May 2025  Published: 26 May 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of AHHA.

Abstract

Objectives

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outpatient Clinic (the Clinic) was established in 2021 at a large metropolitan health service in Melbourne, Australia. The Clinic is a tailored, inclusive, culturally safe and consumer-focused hospital outpatient service model of care. This study is an evaluation of the Clinic.

Methods

The study used a mixed-methods approach using prospective and retrospective recruitment. Eleven patients attending the Clinic in 2024 or in the 12 months prior were interviewed to investigate their experience with the Clinic. In addition, 15 patients completed a cross-sectional patient satisfaction survey.

Results

Four key themes emerged: (1) healthcare provider relationship, (2) positive impact on health, (3) logistic factors and (4) cultural safety. Sub-themes were identified for the key themes. Survey responses were very positive (>80% provided a strongly agree response) for survey items related to interpersonal skills and cultural safety. Positive, but slightly lower ratings (<70% provided a strongly agree response) were received for statements relating to shared decision making, education and access. Recommendations were made regarding navigating the health service, including allocation of a point of contact for assistance with appointments, an additional and final appointment after their plan of care is established, and basing the Clinic in the community.

Conclusions

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Outpatient Clinic previously designed with information provided by Aboriginal patients and healthcare providers was evaluated from the patient’s perspective. The findings contribute to a better understanding of enablers to accessing health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Keywords: Aboriginal health, communication, decision making, shared, First Nations.

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