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“I Don’t Think It’s on Anyone’s Radar”: The Workforce and System Barriers to Healthcare for Indigenous Women Following a Traumatic Brain Injury Acquired through Violence in Remote Australia

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  • Michelle S. Fitts

    (Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia
    Menzies School of Health Research, Charles Darwin University, Alice Springs, NT 0871, Australia
    Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia)

  • Jennifer Cullen

    (Synapse Australia, Brisbane, QLD 3356, Australia
    College of Healthcare Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia)

  • Gail Kingston

    (Townsville Hospital and Health Service, Townsville, QLD 4814, Australia)

  • Elaine Wills

    (Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Karen Soldatic

    (Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia
    School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2751, Australia)

Abstract

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of violence. While healthcare access is critical for women who have experienced a TBI as it can support pre-screening, comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and referral pathways, little is known about the barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in remote areas to access healthcare. To address this gap, this study focuses on the workforce barriers in one remote region in Australia. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 38 professionals from various sectors including health, crisis accommodation and support, disability, family violence, and legal services. Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic analysis. The results highlighted various workforce barriers that affected pre-screening and diagnostic assessment including limited access to specialist neuropsychology services and stable remote primary healthcare professionals with remote expertise. There were also low levels of TBI training and knowledge among community-based professionals. The addition of pre-screening questions together with professional training on TBI may improve how remote service systems respond to women with potential TBI. Further research to understand the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living with TBI is needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Michelle S. Fitts & Jennifer Cullen & Gail Kingston & Elaine Wills & Karen Soldatic, 2022. "“I Don’t Think It’s on Anyone’s Radar”: The Workforce and System Barriers to Healthcare for Indigenous Women Following a Traumatic Brain Injury Acquired through Violence in Remote Australia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-13, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:22:p:14744-:d:968093
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeannette Walsh & Joanne Spangaro & Karen Soldatic, 2015. "Global understandings of domestic violence," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 17(1), pages 1-4, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michelle S. Fitts & Jennifer Cullen & Gail Kingston & Yasmin Johnson & Elaine Wills & Karen Soldatic, 2023. "Understanding the Lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women with Traumatic Brain Injury from Family Violence in Australia: A Qualitative Study Protocol," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-12, January.

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