Indigenous patient experiences of returning to country: a qualitative evaluation on the Country Health SA Dialysis bus

Indigenous patient experiences of returning to country: a qualitative evaluation on the Country Health SA Dialysis bus Journal Article

BMC Health Services Research

• Author(s): Conway, Jessica, Lawn, Sharon, Crail, Susan, McDonald, Stephen
• Published: 2018
• Volume: 18
• ISBN: 1472-6963

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Abstract: Rates of End-Stage Kidney Disease among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Indigenous) Australians in remote areas are disproportionately high; however, haemodialysis is not currently offered in most remote areas. People must therefore leave their ‘Country’ (with its traditions and supports) and relocate to metropolitan or regional centres, disrupting their kinship and the cultural ties that are important for their wellbeing. The South Australian Mobile Dialysis Truck is a service which visits remote communities for one to two week periods; allowing patients to have dialysis on ‘Country’, reuniting them with their friends and family, and providing a chance to take part in cultural activities. The aims of the study were to qualitatively evaluate the South Australian Mobile Dialysis Truck program, its impact on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous dialysis patients, and the facilitators and barriers to using the service.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-018-3849-4
• Work Type: journal article
• Keywords: Chronic kidney disease, Indigenous health, Haemodialysis, Remote dialysis access, Mobile dialysis