Implementing the Flinders Model of self-management support with Aboriginal people who have diabetes: findings from a pilot study

Abstract

Programs to increase patients' capacity to manage their chronic disease are growing in popularity with policy makers, health professionals and the general public. However, until this pilot in regional South Australia, Indigenous people rarely participated in such programs. The pilot included extensive consultations with the Indigenous community, ownership of the program by an Aboriginal community-controlled health service, and a key role for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers as the main coordinators of self-management support. The result was that 60 Aboriginal people participated and achieved notable improvements in health outcomes and personal goals. This pilot demonstrates that mainstream programs are relevant for Aboriginal communities as long as Aboriginal people lead the adaptation process.