Inequities in Aboriginal health: access to the Asthma 3 + Visit Plan
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: The prevalence of asthma is higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults than in non-Indigenous Australian adults in all age groups, and hospitalisation rates for acute asthma episodes are much higher, indicating suboptimal prevention. A 2001–2002 Australian Federal Budget initiative, the Asthma 3+ Plan, encouraged doctors to talk to their patients about asthma management over at least three visits and provide an asthma action plan. Objective: This article reports on the findings of a study examining the uptake of the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan initiative among Aboriginal community controlled health services. Discussion: Significant barriers prevent ACCHSs accessing the Asthma 3+ Visit Plan limiting Aboriginal people's capacity to benefit. In addition, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient access to both spacer devices and asthma medication is often poor. A targeted asthma information strategy is needed, and spacer devices must be made accessible to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. Chronic disease management Medicare items offer a preferable and alternative funding mechanism for asthma care, if supplemented by pharmaceutical access reforms.
Journal
Australian Family Physician
Publication Name
Australian Family Physician
Volume
34
ISBN/ISSN
0300-8495
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Issue
10
Pages Count
4
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Publisher
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners
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