Taking a Breather: Asthma Management for Indigenous Australians

Access the program online
(http://www.rhef.com.au/programs/program-1/?program_id=32&group_id=5)

Program summary

Contrary to popular belief, Indigenous Australians are more likely to have asthma than non-Indigenous Australians. This difference exists across all age groups but it is most pronounced in older adults, especially women aged over 35 in whom the prevalence for Indigenous Australians is double that for non-Indigenous Australians.

Asthma is a manageable condition, however many of the current mainstream asthma management programs are less appropriate in Indigenous communities due to factors such as resource availability, language use and cultural context.

The program focuses on the cultural and medical issues surrounding effective asthma management for Indigenous Australians, including prevalence, diagnosis and risk factors. With an emphasis on culturally appropriate information, topics include the role of asthma action plans in patient self-management, appropriate medications, and use of and access to devices.

Learning outcomes

After viewing this program, participants will be able to:

• Recognise specific issues relating to asthma in Indigenous communities
• Increase their understanding of the importance and effectiveness of:
  • early detection of asthma
  • trigger and risk factor management, particularly smoking
  • self-management, particularly the use of asthma action plans and adherence to pharmacotherapy
• Identify community-based initiatives that improve access to medications and devices
• Understand the importance of culturally appropriate patient information

Speakers

• Chair: Dr Norman Swan, Presenter of the Health Report on ABC Radio National.
• Professor Anne Chang, Paediatric Respiratory Medicine Consultant, Royal Children's Hospital, Brisbane and Menzies School of Health, Darwin
• A/Prof Graeme Maguire, Respiratory and Outreach Physician, James Cook University and Cairns Base Hospital, Cairns
• Ms Anne Bastian, Asthma Educator, Asthma Foundation Northern Territory, Darwin
• Dr Penny Abbott, General Practitioner, Western Sydney Aboriginal Medical Service, Mt Druitt
• Mr Chris O'Brien, Aboriginal Health Worker, Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service, Dapto

Broadcast date: Tuesday 11 December 2007