The Kanyini Vascular Collaboration

Improving health outcomes for Aboriginal Australians with chronic disease through strategies to reduce systems barriers to necessary care.

Kanyini Vascular Collaboration website

Aims

To improve outcomes in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic vascular and chronic kidney disease, through strategies of care that address health systems or service barriers.

Methods

This 5-year research program includes the following component studies:

  • an audit of chronic disease prevention and management practices in the Indigenous-specific primary care sector with a particular focus on how well vascular risk is identified and managed
  • a qualitative evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, practices and perceived needs of patients, communities, health care providers and policy makers with respect to prevention and management of chronic disease
  • a documentary and communication study to look at the real-life journeys made by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic illness as they negotiate their health care needs
  • a randomised controlled trial of a polypill compared to usual care for Aboriginal people at high risk of cardiovascular disease
  • a pilot of a multi-disciplinary vascular clinic approach to support the prevention and management of chronic disease within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

Status/Results

The audit of chronic disease prevention and management was undertaken in 2007 and early 2008. Clinical audits were undertaken in health service partners in NSW, Qld and Central Australia. We are currently providing feedback of the results to the participating health services.

Data collection for the qualitative evaluation study will commence in May 2008. Interviews will be conducted with patients at high cardiovascular disease risk, their families and community members, health care providers, managers and policy makers in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.

The first filming for the documentary and communication study is underway and is based in the Top End of Australia. By combining evidence based research with quality production techniques the project seeks to break new ground in health education and documentary filmmaking.

The randomised controlled trial of the polypill and the pilot of a multi disciplinary vascular clinic approach will both commence in late 2008. These intervention studies will be informed by the findings of the other studies in the program.

Institute Investigators

Project Chief Investigators

Program Staff

  • Dr David Peiris, Senior Research Fellow, The George Institute For International Health
  • Ms Suzanne Ingram, Research Fellow, The George Institute For International Health
  • Ms Maria Tchan, Program Manager, The George Institute For International Health
  • Mr Michael Howard, Program Manager, Baker Heart Research Institute, Alice Springs
  • Ms Bernadette Rickards, Research Officer, Baker Heart Research Institute, Alice Springs
  • Mr Ricky Mentha, Research Officer, Baker Heart Research Institute, Alice Springs

Health Service Partners

  • Armajun Aboriginal Medical Service Inc, Inverell NSW
  • Biripi Aboriginal Corporation Medical Centre, Taree NSW
  • Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Alice Springs NT
  • Inala Indigenous Health Service, Brisbane
  • Ngaanyatjarra Health Service, Warbuton WA
  • Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, Campbelltown NSW
  • Tobwabba Aboriginal Medical Service Inc, Forster NSW
  • Urapuntja Health Service, Utopia, Central Australia
  • Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku Aboriginal Corporation
  • Wuchopperen Health Service, Cairns

Funding Agencies