Collection of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status of women and babies in Health Data Sets
Policy code: / Effective date:
Last review date: new document / Next review date:

Introduction

Early and accurate identification is the first step in improving maternity care for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women and babies.
Research conducted by Onemda titled “The History of Indigenous Identification in Victorian Health Datasets, 1980–2011”, estimated that in Victoria, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander newborns are under-identified by 30–40%.
In the Koolin Balit (2011), the Victorian Government committed to reducing differences in health outcomes between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians for perinatal mortality rates, infant mortality rates, and morbidity and low birth weights.
Accurate statistical information regarding the health status of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria is critically important to ensure timely access to and resourcing for appropriate maternity care and improved outcomes for women and babies.

Policy Objectives

To support the accurate collection of and use of data regarding the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status of women and babies.
Establish a consistent methodology for the collection of health service data in line with national guidelines.

Policy Principles

The Koolin Balit: Victorian Government strategic directions for Aboriginal Health 2012-2022 has outlined objectives, priorities and enablers to improve, significantly and measurably, the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The following apply specifically to the collection of data regarding Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status of mothers and babies:
Objective: Reduce differences in health outcomes between the general population and target groups for infant mortality rates, morbidity and low birth weights
In order to measure improvements, effective data collection is paramount. To achieve this, the standard Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status questions are asked of all women in mainstream services through clear, respectful and confidential communication; and upon request, the reasons for this data collection are sensitively communicated.
Objective: Improve access to services and outcomes for Aboriginal people
Services responsible for the collection of data on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status have clear, documented working relationships with services provided specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such as Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, Aboriginal programs at mainstream services and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation services such as Koori Maternity Service.
Enabler: Improving data and evidence
·  Improve health service planning and delivery for Aboriginal people through comprehensive and consistent information monitoring and management for data relating to Aboriginal health and service provision
The methodology for collecting and using Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is regularly reviewed (in each district and state-wide) for data integrity and quality improvement, and to ensure that the data is used towards improving health outcomes for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Enabler: Cultural responsiveness
·  Increase the cultural responsiveness of mainstream health providers so that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people receive respect and high‑quality care as a matter of course
·  Increase the capacity of mainstream health providers and their workforce to meet the health needs of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria

4. Related Policy Documents:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2010) National best practice guidelines for collecting Indigenous status in health data sets, Canberra.
Department of Health (2012) Koolin Balit Victorian Government strategic directions for Aboriginal health 2012- 2022, Victoria.
Department of Health (2013) Reconciliation Action Plan 2013-14 – 2015-16
Victorian Closing the Health Gap Implementation Plan 2009-10 to 2012-13
Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework 2013-2018
Future directions for Victoria’s maternity services
Improving Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Patients (ICAP) program
5. Legislative or other Authority
National partnership agreement on Indigenous early childhood development (2008)
National Indigenous Reform Agreement (2008 and 2011)
National Partnership Agreement on Closing the Gap in Indigenous Health Outcomes
(1 July 2009 to 30 June 2013)
National partnership agreement on preventative health
Victorian statement of intent to Close the Gap in life expectancy

6. Approval and Implementation

Responsible Executive Team Member:
Approving Officer:

7. Review

This policy will be reviewed at least every 1 year, but a review can be triggered at any time by changes in the policy environment.

8. Associated Documentation

In support of this policy, the following procedures apply:
Code / Name
Guideline for Collection of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Status of women and babies in Health Data Sets

9. Definitions and Abbreviations

Definitions

For purposes of this procedure, unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply:
Term / Definition / Explanation / Details / Source
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status / Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status is a measure of whether a person identifies as being of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin.
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status questions / “Are you [is the person] of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?”
“Is your baby of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?” / Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2010, National best practice guidelines for collecting Indigenous status in health data sets, Canberra.
Project reference group – Improving identification of Aboriginal newborns

10. Document History

Number of revisions: new document

11. Sponsor

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