Our Objectives

The partners of the Central Australia Academic Health Science Network (CA AHSN) have identified five shared priorities or themes which form the platform for our work. Together, these themes constitute a multi-faceted approach to research and research translation directed by local health providers and communities. By addressing knowledge gaps in these areas, CA AHSN is able to have a substantial impact on reducing health disparities.

 

Chronic conditions

Chronic diseases are the most important contributor to the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Given their impact on premature mortality, disability and health care utilisation in Central Australia chronic disease is a key focus for addressing Indigenous Australian health disadvantage.

Current CA AHSN projects within this theme include:

 

Health determinants and risk factors

In order to support the health of Central Australians, we recognise the importance of transcending boundaries between the biological, social and clinical sciences. CA AHSN takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding social gradients, their determinants, and pathways by which these determinants contribute to illness, and consequently to forwarding policy responses to reduce health inequalities.

Current CA AHSN projects within this theme include:

 

Health services research

As a regional hub servicing a high proportion of Aboriginal people spread across an extensive area, Central Australia serves as an exemplar environment through which to address critical issues of national importance – for instance, targeted and practical research focused on the National Health and Hospital Reform agenda, the ‘Close the Gap’ reforms and the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.

Through health services research, CA AHSN is chiefly interested in developing and equipping primary care and hospital services with the skills, methods and tools by which to improve health care quality, appropriateness and accessibility.

Current CA AHSN projects within this theme include:

 

Policy research and evaluation

CA AHSN brings together the expertise of leading clinician researchers, public health specialists and health service decision makers. CA AHSN provides the capacity to evaluate the systems that underpin change management in health care through policy, protocol and evaluation research, and to support quality improvement processes through health provider training. While being locally relevant, our works also informs jurisdictional and national health policy and practice in Aboriginal and remote health and implementation of national health reforms.

Current CA AHSN projects within this theme include:

 

Workforce and capacity building

Central Australia’s health care workforce encompasses health care providers in hospitals, remote Aboriginal communities, and outreach services, with a particular focus on Aboriginal health practitioners, nurses, allied health providers, general practitioners and specialists. Remoteness and the challenging work environment often translate to high levels of health provider staff turnover.

Current CA AHSN projects within this theme include: