NHMRC/The Communicate Study: partnership across the Top End to improve Aboriginal patients experience and outcomes of healthcare

The Communicate Study partnership will build on current momentum to ensure that more Aboriginal patients receive culturally safe healthcare provided in their first language. Our program implements and evaluates creative ways to embed culturally safe practice including Aboriginal interpreters and health practitioners in healthcare delivery. We are committed to creating health services that achieve excellence in cultural and clinical safety. This partnership provides a foundational basis for closing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

Aims of the Communicate Study Partnership project are to:
1. Improve demand for Aboriginal interpreters by healthcare providers through improved recognition of language needs and cultural understanding;
2. Improve supply of interpreters willing and able to work in the hospital environment by creating a culturally safe workplace and supporting career pathways in health interpreting;
3. Integrate supply and demand through efficiency and effectiveness strategies e.g. that position interpreters at points of need, and equip practitioners with better cultural knowledge;
4. Undertake economic analysis of the costs and cost benefits of interpreter use