Immunisation Training for Aboriginal Health Workers A Western Australia experience

Transcription

1 Immunisation Training for Aboriginal Health Workers A Western Australia experience Reena Reddy, Project Coordinator Prevention and Control Program, Communicable Disease Control Directorate Department of Health, Western Australia 05 Sept 2015

2 The Immunisation Gap Disparity Higher rates of VPD Data

3 Western Australian Vaccine Coverage ACIR data processed 30 Jun 2015 Figure 1 - Percentage of children fully immunised in Western Australia for each quarter (based on date age calculated), by age group

4 Western Australian Vaccine Coverage ACIR data processed 30 Jun 2015 Figure 2 - Percentage of children fully immunised for the latest quarter age calculated Jan to Mar 2015 (processed 31 Mar 2015), by age group and jurisdiction

5 Non-Aboriginal vs Aboriginal Figure 4 - Percentage of children aged 12 - <15 months fully immunised for the latest quarter age calculated Jan to Mar 2015 (processed 31 Mar 2015), by Aboriginality and PHU

6 Western Australian Immunisation Strategy Objective 2: Increase vaccination coverage for Aboriginal Australians. Strategy 2b and 2d

7 Reducing disparities in immunisation coverage by improving immunisation skills among Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW) Training International research Multifactorial disparities (access, availability, attitude, financial, ignorance, cultural) Increase in immunisation rates

8 Poisons Act 1964 Does not permit AHW to vaccinate Standing orders The Act should be revised

9 The journey begins.

10 The Pilot Objectives of the project Train and empower AHWs to vaccinate through development of AHW Immunisation Competency Training Program. Engage with Aboriginal Medical Services and their peak body (AHCWA) to identify their support with AHWs providing immunisation services Partner with a metropolitan Aboriginal Medical Service and their peak body (AHCWA) to implement the pilot program Complete the pilot training in the allocated timeframe Develop an immunisation course tailored for AHWs, based on the learnings from the pilot Increase workforce capacity within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services and other clinical services in Western Australia specifically in the area of immunisation.

11 Consultation process Scoping Reviewed relevant training curricula Consulted with AHCWA Stakeholder consultation Consumer consultation

12 Implementation process Length of training program Training methods Course content Assessments theory and clinical

13 Evaluation Student feedback Challenged by the written assessments Slower pace of teaching Extension of course Revision sessions Clinical placement One-on-one training Simple language

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15 Recommendations Ongoing support Develop a plan Timeframe Revision time Poisons Act 1964

16 Conclusion Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) holding a Certificate IV in Primary Health Care are already trained to administer medicines intramuscularly, maintain the cold chain, and manage potentially serious allergic reactions. AHWs are also culturally competent and have the trust in the communities they serve; they can therefore play a critical role in improving immunisations services to Aboriginal children. Currently the AHW immunisation training we developed, piloted, and refined is being offered to additional AHW in both metropolitan and regional areas The new AHW immunisation course has already been successfully conducted in the Pilbara and Metropolitan Perth, and will be offered throughout WA. Training and empowering AHWs to vaccinate is a natural extension of their current role and should improve immunisation rates and reduce the disproportionate burden of vaccine preventable disease in Aboriginal communities.

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18 Acknowledgements Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Students: Joanna Clinch, Wendy Skellern, Gail Yarran, Lorraine Hansen and Roslyn Yarran AHCWA CDCD

19 If you require further info.

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