When conducting a Aboriginal health check it is not mandatory to use a specific form. However it is important that all the elements noted in the Medicare Benefits Schedule are covered.
Templates are available in topic 5 of this resource - How to get started.
A nurse or aboriginal health worker is able to assist the GP in conducting the health check.
The Department of Health and Ageing have produced an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Kit which has copies of fact sheets, Questions and Answers and sample proformas for each of the health checks.
The video clips below will help you to see what is involved in conducting the health check.
Please note only the preliminary information gathering part of the health check was filmed.
Following the health check
Following the health check there might be several considerations for example , further investigations, involvement of other services, or working with a patient on a plan for making lifestyle changes.
It is important to be aware that transport and financial issues can sometimes be a barrier for aboriginal people accessing health services. While your practice might be happy to bulk-bill these patients or conduct a home visit, other services may not be as flexible. You will need to consider referral pathways which are most accessible for the patient. There is no point in referring a patient to a service that they will clearly have trouble getting to.
Additionally if you feel that you need to get a government agency such as the Dept. of Community Services involved in any issue it is important to meet with the family and explain why you are doing this. If not, trust will quickly be eroded. You need to assess each circumstance on its merit but generally it is best to advise the family of your concerns and proposed actions. Nurses are required by law to notify the appropriate authority of any concerns of child neglect or abuse.
You have now completed Topic 3. When you are ready please move on to Topic 4.