Supporting Healthy Futures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
The University of Newcastle is conducting a research trial to
improve the implementation of annual Health Checks for Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander peoples in mainstream general practices. Practices located in
NSW, QLD or VIC, that have at least 40 active, adult clients recorded as
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are eligible to participate.
Reimbursement will be provided to participating practices, staff and patients.
Supporting Healthy Futures
The University of Newcastle invites mainstream general practices to take part in a research trial to improve the implementation of annual Health Checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Supporting Healthy Futures trials will examine the effectiveness of a suite of Care Enhancement strategies in improving the implementation of Health Checks (MBS 715) for adult Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The study will also explore patient and provider experiences and views related to culturally safe health care and Health Checks.
Eligible practices will be:
- Located in NSW, QLD or VIC
- Providing care to at least 40 active, adult, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander patients
- Committed to implementing changes to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
Participating practices will be randomly allocated to a Care Enhancement group or a Usual Care group. Practices in the Care Enhancement group will receive tools, data-based feedback, training, and support to facilitate change towards culturally responsive care. Practices in the Usual Care group will have access to these resources at the end of the project.
Reimbursement will be provided to:
- Practices ($4,200 - $8,500 depending on group allocation).
- Practice staff who complete a brief online survey ($30 gift card). Additional gift cards are available to practice staff for completion of Care Enhancement activities (e.g. $100 gift card for participation in a training webinar).
- Patients who complete a survey online, over the phone or post ($30 gift card)
Participation is required over an 18-month period (early 2026 – mid 2027).
All aspects of the study are governed by an Aboriginal Reference Group, and the study is endorsed by the Wukul Yabang - Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel at the University of Newcastle. This research has been approved by the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council Ethics Committee [2308/24] and the University of Newcastle Human Research Ethics Committee [H-2025-0308].
For more information about the research project or to register your interest, please email: SHF@newcastle.edu.au.
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