NHMRC ECF (ATSI_HRF): Co-existent mental illness and chronic physical illness in ATSI peoples: Can an action research Intervention within an Aboriginal medical service reduce morbidity? (2013–2017)
Abstract:
The burden of disease, both physical and mental, is significantly higher in Indigenous Australians than in the general population. The excess burden is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. In the general population people with mental illness experience significantly higher rates of physical illness and elevated death rates from all the major causes of death. Smoking is twice as common in persons with mental illness, and alcohol/drug use is increased. Cardiovascular deaths are rising in this group but declining in the general population. Physical illness impacts on a person's mental illness resulting in the health of people with mental illness being further compromised. The usual model of care of persons with mental illness often results in neglect of physical illness, risk factors and addictions, which are considered "someone else's problem". Such "siloing" of care contributes to adverse outcomes.
As there are only small numbers of Aboriginal researchers in this country, it is vital that research skills and knowledge are developed. Whilst Indigenous knowledge's are now slowly being recognised as essential elements to research, a combination of western skills coupled with Indigenous knowledge will be applied in this research. It will be through this lens that this Early Career Fellowship will aim to;
1. Quantify the overall burden (prevalence) of mental illness, including types of mental illness, in adult clients of the Aboriginal Medical Service.
2. Characterise relationships between mental illness and chronic disease/risk factors.
3. Identify and understand gaps in the evidence-based management of chronic disease and its risk factors in clients with and without mental illness.
4. Redesign the model of care to address these gaps while remaining culturally appropriate.
5. Evaluate the impact of the new model in identification and management of chronic disease/ risk factors in clients with and without mental illness.
