Our People to Live Stronger & Longer

Month: October 2024

Boosting Smoking and Vaping Cessation in Aboriginal Communities: Key Insights from Recent Survey

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Thank-you to the staff from our member services who completed the AH&MRC survey titled “Smoking and Vaping Cessation Support: A Gap Analysis”.

The information from respondents revealed critical gaps in the support for smoking and vaping cessation efforts within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) in NSW.  There is a clear and urgent need for enhanced training and resources. 

Key Findings: 

  • Training Needs: ACCHO staff require comprehensive training on smoking and vaping cessation, with a focus on the risks of vaping among youth. Regular refresher courses are essential to maintain high care standards. 
  • Resource Accessibility: Limited access to information on vaping risks and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) resources are significant barriers. 
  • Staffing and Capacity: Dedicated staff for cessation efforts are crucial for effective client support. 
  • Strategic Focus Areas: Early intervention and tailored training are necessary to address smoking and vaping as distinct challenges. Preventative initiatives like Yarning Circles are recommended to increase awareness of risks. 

The survey also highlighted a lack of awareness about the Aboriginal Tobacco Resistance and Control (ATRAC) framework, with 60% of respondents unfamiliar with the ATRAC Yarning Tool. 

Next Steps: To bridge these gaps, AH&MRC plans to partner with training providers to develop face-to-face and online modules, conduct workshops, and offer refresher courses. These initiatives aim to build staff confidence in discussing NRT and provide easy access to updated resources through an online hub. The benefits of cultural activities such as Yarning Circles will be highlighted and the ATRAC framework and program will be reviewed.  

If you would like further details of the survey or would like to provide further feedback, please email Arti Savidis asavidis@ahmrc.org.auor publichealth@ahmrc.org.au

Vape access—what has changed?

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

From 1 October 2024, vaping laws in Australia have changed. Vapes and vaping products can now only be sold in participating pharmacies. It is illegal for other retailers including tobacconists, convenience stores and online stores to sell any type of vape or vaping product.    

In NSW, it is now possible for people 18 years or over to purchase vapes with up to 20mg/mL of nicotine directly from a participating pharmacy without a prescription. A discussion with the pharmacist is required to access these vapes. People under 18 years will still need a prescription to purchase vapes to ensure they receive appropriate medical advice.   

For more information on the vape access changes, visit the Therapeutic Goods Administration website.    

To assist patients trying to stop smoking or vaping there are a number of resources:  

Please reach out to Publichealth@ahmrc.org.au if you would like further information. 

Enhancing Immunisation Efforts in 2024

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

In our September Newsletter, we highlighted the Immunisation Grants that AH&MRC provided to 18 member services to support their winter immunisation efforts in 2024. 

We are actively collecting feedback and success stories from ACCHOs that received the grant.  

Some of the effective strategies reported by ACCHOs included: 

  •  upskilling of registered nurses and Aboriginal health practitioners to become certified immunisers;  
  • one-on-one education sessions focused on vaccination awareness during community health days, and 
  •  incentives for community members who receive vaccinations.  

These locally designed strategies have proven successful in increasing immunisation participation rates The recent systematic review, ‘Strategies to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in First Nations peoples’ summarises how important using First Nations designed strategies were during COVID and AH&MRC is wanting to continue to support your community-driven immunisation strategies.

We are really looking forward to hearing from all our member services about your immunisation programs and learn from your experiences to better support your ACCHO in the coming year. 

To facilitate this, we invite you to complete a short survey where you can share any feedback, suggestions for improvement, and any specific requests to enhance our support. You can access the survey here:

Immunisation Activities – 2024 Winter Season 

We hope to collect valuable insights from all our member services and look forward to sharing success stories and highlights of immunisation programs taking place across our communities this year. Stay tuned! 

Stay Informed on COVID-19 Vaccination Updates

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Although rates are not high, we are still seeing COVID-19 in our communities with people presenting unwell to hospital emergency departments.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) should continue to encourage vaccination particularly to our elders and those with chronic disease. It is also important to make sure patients who are at risk of severe illness have a pathway to access a test if they have symptoms and anti-viral medication if they get COVID-19. 

The COVID-19 vaccine program continues to change and staying informed about the latest updates is important. Notably, starting October 11, the Commonwealth will no longer supply the 0.9% Sodium Chloride 10mL ampoule under the COVID-19 vaccination program. This means ACCHOs need to adjust their vaccine management practices. 

To help manage vaccine stock effectively, the COVID-19 Vaccine Administrative System (CVAS) is a great resource. It allows you to order and manage vaccine supplies, ensuring your ACCHO can continue to provide essential services without interruptions. To reduce wastage, consider ordering smaller quantities and transferring excess stock according to the COVID-19 Vaccine Transfer Policy. 

If you have any questions or need more information, contact the Vaccine Operations Centre on 1800 318 208. 

Additionally, resources like the “COVID-19 Vaccines in Australia”and the “Recommended COVID-19 Vaccine Doses” poster can help raise awareness in the community. It’s also beneficial for clinicians and ACCHOs to subscribe to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) updates, which provide the latest clinical and program guidance for delivering immunisation services. 

Let’s stay informed and continue protecting our communities! 

Cervical Screening Updates

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Self-collected cervical screening testing—let’s “Own It” 

The “Own It” campaign was launched in September to improve cervical screening rates in women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age. The “Own It” campaign celebrates empowerment and choice offered by self-collected swabs.  

Self-collection is: 

  • available for all (asymptomatic) women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 
  • just as sensitive for detecting HPV as a clinician-collected test taken with a speculum. 

For resources and more information, visit the “Own It” campaign webpage and the ACPCC Resource Hub for Health care providers.

Are Aboriginal Health Workers delivering self-collected cervical screening in your ACCHO?

To increase access to cervical screening across Australia, the Department of Health and Aged Care has engaged KPMG to develop Non-Medical Provider (NMP) Pathways for cervical screening tests.  

KPMG is looking for Aboriginal healthcare providers to participate in virtual interviews (up to 60 minutes) and co-design workshops to better understand how different stakeholders are currently supporting NMPs deliver cervical screening tests for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.   

This is an opportunity for the ACCHO sector to have input into this new care pathway so that it meets the needs of your workflow and is viable, sustainable and culturally safe for your communities.   

If you’re interested in being a participant or would like more information, please get in touch with Anna Jackson, Consultant in Health, Ageing and Human Services KPMG at ajackson14@kpmg.com.au or on 0450 004 252.  

Upcoming webinars – Aboriginal Health Workforce Forum

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Aboriginal Health Workforce Forum    

Date: Friday 1 November  
Time: 12:00- 1:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

The National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) is holding an online forum and panel discussion on diabetes-related topics that impact First Nations People. The panellists will explore their journey, challenges, cultural influences and the impact of technology. 

This is a great opportunity for individuals living with diabetes, carers supporting a loved one, and healthcare workers to learn, connect, and support one another. 

For more information or to register, visit the registration page here. 

NSW Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Prevention Program 2025 Webinar 

Date: Thursday 7 November 
Time: 6:00PM – 7:00PM  AEST  
Cost: Free 

NSW Health is holding a webinar on the NSW RSV prevention program 2025 that will outline the serious disease impact of RSV on infants and how vaccination through the prevention program via vaccination can address this.  

This one-hour webinar is open to all ACCHO staff and would be particularly beneficial for anyone interested or involved in providing care to pregnant women, newborn infants and children.  

To register or find out more about the webinar, click here. 

The webinar will also be recorded and made available on the NSW Health website.   

Eye Health 2024 Webinar series  

Date: Wednesday 13 November
Time: 1:00- 2:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

Ahead of World Diabetes Day on 14 November, NACCHO is holding the Eye Health and Diabetes Webinar in collaboration with Diabetes Australia. This is the next webinar in NACCHO’s Eye Health webinar series and will explore the importance of yearly eye checks, diabetes management and how ACCHOs can be supported by Diabetes Australia to help patient with diabetes and promote positive messages to communities.  

Register for the webinar here.  

Methamphetamine Treatment: New and Upcoming Research  

Date: Wednesday 27 November
Time: 12:00PM AEST  
Cost: Free 

The National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED) is holding a webinar and virtual expert panel discussion on current and future research into methamphetamine treatment options in Australia and internationally.  

This webinar is open to all ACCHO staff who want to stay informed about methamphetamine treatment and research.  

Register for the webinar here.   

ATLAS Indigenous Primary Care Surveillance Workshop

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Our sexual health nurse Kodie and Dr Kath attended the ATLAS face-to-face workshop in Brisbane 14-15th October. 

ATLAS is a national surveillance and research network that is currently focused on collecting deidentified primary care data relating to STI and BBV testing and control. ATLAS is also extending its scope to include surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The ATLAS network is led by Professor James Ward, Director of the University of Queensland’s Poche Centre for Indigenous Health who attended the workshop. 

During the workshop Kodie and Kath joined the ATLAS team, other ACCHO service providers and affiliate representatives from around Australia. It was an opportunity to share knowledge and suggest practical usage of the ATLAS dashboard to enhance STI/BBV screening and provide better health outcomes for our communities. They heard from Cath Kennedy, Data Analyst from our member service Maari Ma in Western NSW on the use of the ATLAS Network and how it supports their CQI activities. 

Every six months, ATLAS releases an individual report detailing 12 key STI and BBV performance measures for each health service. Access to the ATLAS dashboard also enables a snapshot of your services current screening and management (see snapshot example below).

If you are interested in joining the ATLAS Network please reach out to us at publichealth@ahmrc.org.au  

Could it be Syphilis?

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Syphilis is renowned as the ‘great imitator’. Patients can present with various clinical symptoms so it’s important that clinical staff don’t forget to consider syphilis as a possible diagnosis.

The current increase in syphilis notifications in NSW means it is very important that clinics have a low threshold for requesting syphilis testing – it’s a simple blood test that can be added to the request when other tests are being done. 

ASHM has recently released a clinical indicator tool for syphilis that can assist clinicians in diagnosis and management. 

If you have further concerns related to syphilis or other STIs including Mpox you can contact the Sexual Health InfoLine (SHIL) Health Professionals Line Monday-Friday from 9:00am-7:00pm on 1800 451 624. 

Mpox in NSW: Be Aware, Be Prepared!

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

We have continued to see a rise of Mpox cases within NSW. 

It’s important that people at high risk of Mpox infection get vaccinated. To check the recommendations for who should get an Mpox vaccination and where they can be vaccinated, find the latest NSW Health updates here.

NSW Health has also developed a suite of downloadable resources that you can share with your community. You can find them here or on the AH&MRC Member Portal. 

If you missed the NACCHO webinar on the ACCHO Mpox Update you can watch it here. The webinar describes where in Australia and which populations, are being diagnosed with Mpox. It also outlines the signs, symptoms, vaccination options and current Mpox management guidelines. 

ASHM is holding a webinar for GPs and Nurses on National Mpox Webinar: Vaccination and Testing on November 21st at 7pm. You can register for the webinar here.

AH&MRC also has Mpox resources that you can order directly by contacting Publichealth@ahmrc.org.au

Good Medicine Better Health – NACCHO eLearning

Posted on by Ashleigh Brissett

Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) is a series of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-accredited learning modules and consumer resources on a range of health topics.

These have been developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and their communities to improve quality use of medicines and medical tests.

Prior to closing down in December 2022, NPS MedicineWise had developed these modules and resources in collaboration with NACCHO and various other organisations within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector.

NACCHO will continue the GMBH program over the next two years with funding from the Department of Health and Aged Care under the Quality Use of Diagnostics, Therapeutics and Pathology Program (QUDTP).

Find out more here.