Table 1 Summary of changes to enhance the GHS for Aboriginal communities

 Aboriginal-specific ‘program’ of the GHS is designed for people identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

All people are asked whether they identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. People identifying as Aboriginal follow the same call flow and coaching process as non-Aboriginal people.

Aboriginal participants are identified according to best practice guidelines in NSW and they can register for Level 1 [information-only] or Level 2 [health coaching] support, but now receive Aboriginal-specific information materials and three additional coaching calls

 Aboriginal-specific program resources

People who register to receive information-only or to participate in the coaching program are sent the following resources:

• Welcome letter from the Chief Health Officer

• GHS information booklet and/or coaching journal

When an Aboriginal participant is identified, Aboriginal-specific resources are sent to these participants.

• Welcome letter from the Chief Health Officer

• Aboriginal information booklet and/or coaching journal

 Increase in the number of coaching calls from the service

Participants registering with the service receive a total of 10 calls.

Aboriginal participants now receive an additional 3 calls [total 13 calls]. The additional calls are educational sessions with content focused on prevention of diabetes where appropriate.

 Increased call attempts from GHS service to participants for coaching sessions

The GHS makes 3 call attempts to contact a participant, if the call attempts are not successful the participant is withdrawn from service [with the distribution of a letter to the participant offering re-enrollment].

For Aboriginal participants 5 call attempts are made.

 Training for health coaches

Coaches are trained and their professional development is monitored by the GHS provider.

All health coaches receive annual cultural competency training in addition to the routine education and training provided service provider.

 Development of Aboriginal specific referral database

A database is available to all health coaches so that they can refer participants to appropriate health services or organizations in the community.

This database was redeveloped for health coaches, so that they can refer Aboriginal participants to local Aboriginal specific health services and/or organisations across NSW for issues outside the scope of the GHS.

 Education of key stakeholders

Mainstream health services and providers were educated regarding the benefits of the GHS.

A series of promotional campaigns, workshops and conferences across NSW were implemented to promote activity through routine chronic disease networks and Aboriginal specific cultural events.

 Referral pathways from Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services [ACCHS] to GHS

People can be referred to the service through the following pathways:

• Self-referral;

• General practice; and

• Other health professional.

In addition to the standard GHS referral pathways, Aboriginal people can be referred by health professionals i.e. Aboriginal Health Workers [AHWs] or others working in the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services [ACCHS].

 Aboriginal specific promotional material

Promotional materials are not specific to the Aboriginal community

Resources have been developed specifically for the Aboriginal community, including print, online and radio advertisements and a number of resources targeting pregnant Aboriginal women and these are available through the GHS website (http://www.gethealthynsw.com.au/professionals-resources)