Ways of working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations: describing a conceptual model of comprehensive primary healthcare characteristics
Date
2025
Authors
Dawson, A.
Lyons Jaadwa, L.
Morey, K.
Pearson, O.
Harfield, S.
Brand Eastern Arrente, T.
DeMasi Barkindji, K.
Mulholland Torres Strait Islands-Erub, E.
Aromataris, E.
Braunack-Mayer, A.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 2025; 49(4):100267-1-100267-10
Statement of Responsibility
Anna Dawson, Louise Lyons (Jaadwa), Kim Morey (Anmatyerre/Eastern Arrernte), Odette Pearson (Kuku Yalanji/Torres Strait Islander), Stephen Harfield (Narungga/ Ngarrindjeri), Tracey Brand (Eastern Arrente), Karrina DeMasi (Barkindji), Eddie Mulholland (Torres Strait Islands- ERUB), Edoardo Aromataris, Annette Braunack-Mayer, Alex Brown (Yuin)
Conference Name
Abstract
Objective: This research sought to describe a conceptual model of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisation (ATSICCHO) primary health care, and the fundamental role ATSICCHOs exercise in addressing critical service gaps needed to achieve equitable outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Methods: ATSICCHO representatives governed the research process. A sequential mixed-method approach for articulating the ATSICCHO model drew upon scoping review evidence, case study evidence, and expert consultations. Results: Culture is central to ATSICCHO service delivery and entwined within nine discrete characteristics: self-determination and empowerment, community control and community participation, culturally appropriate and skilled workforce, holistic health care, accessible health services, flexible and responsive approach to care, relationship building and advocacy, comprehensive health promotion and continuous quality improvement. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance, leadership and workforce are common enablers, and challenges often relate to funding, workforce recruitment and building relationships with multiple partners. Conclusion: ATSICCHOs exemplify culturally-centred, comprehensive and accessible primary health care and empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Implications for Public Health: This model can guide the expansion of the ATSICCHO sector and offer comprehensive primary health care insights to the broader Australian health system.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Public Health Association of Australia. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).