New health service models for improved Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary care

Reflecting the fact that health service models need to adapt with changes in time, cultural expectations and improved evidence, our researchers have not been afraid to trial innovative, even bold, initiatives to advance Indigenous health.

Drawing on a wealth of experience in different settings – including those experts who have worked in medical crises in multiple locations around the world – enables individual researchers and teams to combine specified knowledge of Indigenous circumstance with models that hold significant promise for the future.

Among many others, topics addressed include oral health, diabetes, visual impairment, ageing, smoking, pregnancy and childbirth, and psychological wellbeing.

Previous investigations have shown that studies have been heavily-weighted towards Indigenous health in rural or remote areas, with three times the amount of attention as urban Indigenous health, providing a clear example of an area for possible improvement.

Associate Professor Deborah Askew

Areas of research include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services research, Healthy start in life, Social and emotional wellbeing, and Social and cultural determinants of health.

Dr Geoff Spurling

Special interests in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, social determinants of health, general practice teaching and the quality use of medicines.

Associate Professor Jodie Copley

Research interests include upper limb neurorehabilitation, clinical reasoning in occupational therapy, and clinical and professional education of occupational therapy students.

Meet some of our researchers