Better Cardiac Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a national initiative aimed at closing the gap in life expectancy for First Nations peoples.
Cardiovascular conditions make the greatest contribution to the gap in mortality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
Through this program we can increase access to services, better manage risk factors, and improve the coordination of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
The Better Cardiac Care program consists of a clinical nurse consultant, pharmacist, Indigenous hospital liaison officer and administration officer who conduct hospital rounds, visit inpatients and support outpatients by attending appointments, ensuring medication adherence and arranging GP follow up.
The program is responsive to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s cultural needs as well as their clinical needs and it supports their journey from hospital to home.
The Better Cardiac Care program commenced within Gold Coast Health in October 2022 and so far, the feedback is remarkable. Patients state they feel they are well supported in the hospital system and have a clearer understanding of their health conditions, treatment options and medications.
