Alcohol and other Drugs (AOD) Cultural Safety Review
Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN)
Who funded the project
The Australian Government established Primary Health Networks (PHNs) to increase the efficiency of medical services, reduce fragmentation of care and improve health outcomes for everyone, especially the most vulnerable. The Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) is one such example of these networks.
Karabena Consulting was contracted by the EMPHN to assess and enhance the cultural responsiveness of Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services that are part of a network of funded services in the region.
To successfully carry out this evaluation, we adopted a mixed methods approach, utilising both quantitative and qualitative techniques, alongside on-site observational methods and literature review.
In line with the project specifications detailed in the consultant brief, we delivered comprehensive reports to the EMPHN outlining the following key evaluation outcomes:
The creation of two distinct sets of cultural audit tools: The ‘AOD Service Cultural Safety Enhancement Tool’ tailored for funded AOD services, and the ‘Cultural Safety Audit Tool for EMPHN’ aimed at ensuring culturally safe commissioning.
The identification of strengths and areas for improvement in the EMPHN's commissioning work, providing guidance for the EMPHN to further enhance its commitment to cultural safety and self-determination.
An analysis of the strengths and areas for improvement in the cultural safety practices of funded AOD service providers concerning Aboriginal Victorians.
A set of recommendations for both the EMPHN and funded AOD services to consider for future implementation, aimed at improving service design and delivery for better outcomes when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Summary
The aim of this project was to understand any cultural gaps and explore opportunities to improve service design and delivery for better outcomes when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Project Aims
For this project, the following methodologies were employed by Karabena Consulting:
A literature review on critical cultural elements to be integrated into a cultural audit tool, aimed at assessing the cultural safety of the EMPHN and funded AOD services.
A quantitative survey using SurveyMonkey, targeting staff of the four funded services (EACH, Anglicare, Banyule Community Health, YSAS) and EMPHN commissioning staff, with closed questions for measurable data analysis on cultural safety aspects.
A reflective workshop with EMPHN commissioning staff and funded AOD service providers to discuss cultural safety.
Site visits to each of the four funded services and the EMPHN to observe the promotion and implementation of cultural safety in service delivery environments.
An inductive thematic analysis
Methodologies
The project delivered the following key outputs:
‘Literature Review and Audit Tools for Commissioning and Delivery of AOD Services to Enhance Cultural Safety and Continuous Quality Improvement’ Report
‘Cultural Safety Audit Tools for the Commissioning and Delivery of Alcohol and Other Drug Services’ Report
AOD Service Cultural Safety Enhancement Tool
Cultural Safety Audit Tool for EMPHN
Project Outputs
The evaluation of cultural safety throughout the commissioning process and the delivery of AOD services has highlighted several key findings:
A commissioning process requires creating a more culturally competent and inclusive environment. This environment should acknowledge and respect the dignity of individuals and communities, while also integrating the unique cultural values, norms and practices of Aboriginal communities.
An understanding of healing and culture, trauma and wellbeing, individual healing journeys, Aboriginal community ownership and worldviews, strengths-based approaches and community connection, among others, are essential components for providing a culturally safe AOD service to Aboriginal Victorians.
The structure of the funding model, along with challenges in compliance, data collection and reporting have been identified as limiting factors. These issues divert resources and hinder the delivery of quality AOD care that is culturally safe.
A set of recommendations has been proposed for both the EMPHN and funded AOD services. These recommendations are intended for future implementation to enhance culturally safe service design and delivery, ultimately leading to improved outcomes when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Project Outcomes
#reconciliation #governance #culturalsafety #healing #leadership #inclusion #AOD #trauma #EMPHN #servicedesign