The University of Queensland, School of Public Health
Top left photo in the image banner above, Professor Gail Garvey and Senior Community Engagement Officer, Craig Carson.
Project Title: The Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service (DUOSS)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disproportionately high levels of diabetes and are more likely to die from the disease than non-Indigenous Australians.
Extensive consultations conducted by the project team with Bundjalung Elders, First Nations health professionals, diabetes experts and specialists have identified a need for a culturally safe health care model that provides greater holistic care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders with type 2 diabetes.
This consultation has informed the development and design of the Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service (DUOSS) model of care, based on an existing evidence-based cardiovascular virtual health service model.
DUOSS uses technology to make care services more accessible and effective, enable remote patient monitoring where needed, and deliver educational materials and targeted interventions to support self-management and long-term health outcomes.
DUOSS will be piloted with First Nations communities in northern NSW and delivered by The University of Queensland, Ramsay Connect and Australian Unity Aboriginal Home Health Service.
It aims to meet the holistic needs of First Nations Australians with type 2 diabetes to deliver improved healthcare outcomes, better patient and clinician experiences, and lower the cost of providing care.
The evaluation will include a framework for how this service can be developed and scaled-up more widely.
Professor Garvey, project lead, a proud Kamilaroi woman, a NHMRC Research Leadership Fellow, and Professor of Indigenous Health Research in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Queensland:
“We have worked closely with Bundjalung Elders and our partners to put the strengths and resources of First Nations peoples and their communities at the heart of diabetes management. We will establish a technology-enabled model of care that uses remote patient monitoring, peer learning, group yarning and exercise to help those living with diabetes to better manage their condition. This program will make a difference to the daily lives of First Nations peoples living with diabetes through acknowledging and building on their individual strengths and capabilities.”
Elder Aunty Linda West, part of the co-design workshops for Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service (DUOSS)
“This program will help us to learn more about our health and take more control of our disease. The practical things like the virtual tool that alerts us when things are wrong and exercise that is suitable for our age groups are very useful. The program will help us to make better connections with others in the same situation, so we can share our stories and make them part of our recovery.”
Ian Galvin, Ramsay Connect CEO
“Ramsay Connect is pleased to be working with The University of Queensland and the Australian Unity Aboriginal Home Health Elders and team members to develop the “Diabetes Using Our Strengths Service” model to provide culturally safe care supporting those living with diabetes.”
TTRA Project Round: Three
Project Lead: Professor Gail Garvey
States: New South Wales/Queensland
Project Partners:
- Ramsay Connect Pty Ltd
- Australian Unity
Funding:
- TTRA: $999,873.80
- Co-contribution: $549,200.00 in-kind
Duration: September 2023 – August 2025
Websites: www.uq.edu.au/ and public-health.uq.edu.au/research/fncwr
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