The latest issue of the Australian Health Review, the academic journal of the Australian Healthcare
and Hospitals Association (AHHA), shines a light on a deep problem in healthcare – health inequity
experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – and focuses on some of the key issues
which can be addressed to improve the health outcomes,’ says Editor-in-Chief, Professor Sonĵ Hall.
‘In a policy reflection, Dr Janine Mohamed, CEO of Lowitja Institute, highlights the importance of
strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce.
‘Dr Mohamed’s message of strengthening the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce to
improve the care outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is one that is echoed in a
perspectives piece by Dr Chris Bourke, Andrew McAuliffe and Prof Lisa Jamieson.
‘This piece identifies key areas of action to address the low number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander dental practitioners, including the implementation of cultural safety accreditation of dental
schools and increased financial support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander dental students.
‘A review of the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency-registered health practitioners’
Codes of Conduct and Codes of Ethics by Prof Eleanor Milligan et al identifies areas for improvement
and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and cultural safety,’ notes Prof Hall.
Other articles in this issue examine digital health care innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Dr Danusha Jayawardana and Dr Brenda Gannon’s analysis of the update of telehealth in relation to
mental health care during COVID-19 revealed a 50% reduction in face-to-face consultations for
mental health appointments and an equal uptake of telehealth appointments.
‘An assessment of the implementation of a virtual ward as a COVID-19 hospital avoidance response
strategy by Katherine Schultz et al highlights some of the factors for success including strong
executive engagement, agile leadership and a willingness from key stakeholders to rapidly adopt and
accept new models of service delivery.’
Other articles in this issue provide insights into quality and safety, aged care, and the shortage of
medicines.
