Improving cultural respect to improve Aboriginal health in general practice : a multi-methods and multi-perspective pragmatic study

Background: To address the gap in access to healthcare between Aboriginal people and other Australians, we developed Ways of Thinking, Ways of Doing (WoTWoD) to embed cultural respect into routine clinical practice. WoTWoD includes a workshop, toolkit and cultural mentors in a partnership of general practice and Aboriginal organisations. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of WoTWoD on cultural respect, health checks and risk factor management for Aboriginal patients in general practice. Methods: A multi-methods and multi-perspective pre- and-post-intervention pragmatic study with 10 general practices was undertaken, using information from medical records, practice staff, cultural mentors and patients. Results: Cultural respect, service and clinical measures improved after implementing WoTWoD. Qualitative information confirmed and explained improvements. Knowledge of Aboriginal history needed further improvement. Discussion: The WoTWoD may improve culturally appropriate care in general practice. Further research requires adequately powered randomised controlled trials.