Good Medicine Better Health
Partnering with Aboriginal health professionals and communities to improve quality use of medicines and medical tests
Key points
The Good Medicine Better Health program aims to:
- provide CPD-accredited education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners on a range of conditions
- build skills around the quality and safe use of medicines in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia
- enable access to the best resources to improve community understanding of quality use of medicines
- assist Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners in their career progression to help retain these roles that are essential to supporting good healthcare
A successful program reimagined
Good Medicines Better Health 2010–12 successfully trained over 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners. But the passage of nearly a decade has changed both quality use of medicines and clinical training in ways that require a reimagining of the program and its aims and methods. NPS MedicineWise sought feedback from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to understand the value of the 2010–12 Good Medicines Better Health program.
- Feedback from stakeholders indicated that there was still value in the content, however new technologies should be considered to increase availability. Face-to-face training had limitations. As a result the program now includes an online learning environment, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Further, stakeholders noted that this work should be underpinned by strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance.
The Good Medicine Better Health Advisory Group has been established to guide the program from 2019. They have set a vision and mission for the program.
Vision
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners are skilled and empowered in quality use of medicines.
Mission
We provide training and resources needed to deliver the quality and safe use of medicines that is responsive to local needs to achieve better health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Principles
The redesigned program will:
- contribute to health outcomes of communities by supporting the role of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners
- be reviewed and evaluated frequently to ensure that it is continuously improved and is providing relevant education to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners
- have flexibility to allow for broad reach and local implementation
- support the alignment to CPD and training requirements
- consist of online content that allows for easy updates and version control
- collect data and analytics on how resources are used
- build partnerships and leverage existing content and resources, where possible
- support the use of digital resources with consumers to help with medicines compliance
- ensure that it complements existing training, is fit for purpose and supports evidence-based best practice
- respect and incorporate the advice of the GMBHAG wherever practicable, as this group represents the voices and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations.
Partnerships
Key partnerships have been identified and built with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, PHNs and state-based Aboriginal community-controlled health services to facilitate the delivery and uptake of the program.
Co-design
The overall format and accessibility of the online platform will be co-designed with key users and partners. Co-design will also help to inform the accessibility of the mentorship program and platform, and other key education resources.
Content development
Content is developed in collaboration with key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations and national peak bodies. The content will be developed incrementally, based on the existing modules that were previously provided as face-to-face training. These will be updated and made available as online learning modules.
Our courses
- Good Medicine Better Health: Antibiotics and respiratory tract infections
- Good Medicine Better Health: Anxiety and depression
- Good Medicine Better Health: Asthma
- Good Medicine Better Health: High blood pressure
- Good Medicine Better Health: Quality use of medicines (QUM) foundation
- Good Medicine Better Health: Type 2 diabetes
Building on good foundations: Good Medicines Better Health
The first Good Medicines Better Health program aimed to improve the quality use of medicines in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The program was delivered from 2010 to 2012 by a partnership between the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, the Heart Foundation, the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia and NPS MedicineWise.
The program focused on delivering a series of training modules to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners in Aboriginal community-controlled health services. The training was delivered either directly by a training team or through a train-the-trainer model to build capacity of the more experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners to deliver training to their colleagues.
The program developed four core training modules – a foundation module on QUM and three chronic disease-specific modules (QUM in asthma, hypertension and type 2 diabetes). Additionally, consumer tools for those three disease areas were developed and released for use in communities.
See the Good Medicine Better Health consumer resources at the NACCHO website
The 2010–12 program trained 264 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners working in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs). The program was evaluated, and recommendations were made to improve the overall success of the program. These are being implemented in GMBH v2 in 2019–20.
At NPS MedicineWise, we respect and acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional owners of the lands we call home. We pay respect to their Elders, past, present and emerging. To live this respect, it’s vital that this program is underpinned by strong Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance.
The Good Medicine Better Health Advisory Group aims to ensure that:
- the vision of the Good Medicine Better Health program aligns with the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are heard and respected at every stage of design and development
- education materials and consumer resources are culturally appropriate
- education design meets the needs of Aboriginal health workers and practitioners
- the program is flexible to allow for local adaptation and implementation.
Working in partnership
Starting in September 2019, the advisory group meets regularly to oversee the design and progress of the program.
Good Medicine Better Health Advisory Group members
Current members
Karrina Demasi
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory
Mike Stephens
Director Medicines Policy and Programs, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)
James Harris
Formerly: Workforce Development Manager, Aboriginal Health Council of Western Australia (AHCWA)
Currently: Manager – Teacher, Professional Development - National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP)
Dr Jason Agostino
GP and epidemiologist, Australian National University, GP Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service
Linda Da Costa (appointed October 2021)
Community Member, Danila Dilba Health Service
Judith Parnham (appointed October 2021)
Advanced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Ravenshoe Primary Health Care Centre
Paul Stewart (appointed October 2021)
Deputy CEO, Lowitja Institute
Former members
Leonie Williamson (until December 2020)
Policy Advisor, Lowitja Institute
Karl Briscoe (until April 2021)
CEO, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Association (NATSIHWA)
The program is also supported by strong partnerships with a range of stakeholder organisations.
Good Medicines Better Health stakeholder organisations
How we work
The Advisory Group meets four times a year, with secretariat support services provided by NPS MedicineWise.
Inaugural meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health Advisory Group – Redfern, 3 September 2019
The Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group is tasked with providing advice to NPS MedicineWise on building a program that will grow the capacity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners in the quality and safe use of medicines.
The first meeting of the advisory group was held on 3 September 2019 at The Djiyagiyalang-Gal Hub (NSW Indigenous Chamber of Commerce) in Redfern. A background and evaluation on the previous program helped to set the scene to start building the new program. It was proposed that the program be split into different components to allow for staggered development and rollout – with the staggered approach to allow for testing of education platform and resources.
The inaugural meeting was an opportunity for the Advisory Group to begin proposing and drafting the overall program mission and vision, core program principles and outcomes, and program measures.
Key themes that emerged from the meeting included:
- Strong partnerships will be a key factor for a successful redesigned program.
- Education should have a digital component but maintain cultural appropriateness and have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation wherever possible.
- Education should be flexible to allow for local adaption and place-based training.
Meeting 2 at AMSANT office – Darwin 7 November 2019
The Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group met for the second time on 7 November 2019, a day after the NACCHO Members’ Conference ‘Because of Them, We Must’ in Darwin.
The meeting was hosted by AMSANT in their Darwin office. At the second meeting, the GMBH Advisory Group:
- formally accepted the Terms of Reference (TOR)
- drafted a framework outlining online module development for the program
- provided input into proposed logo concepts for the redesigned program
- refined their wording for the overall program mission and vision, core program principles and outcomes, and program measures.
Meeting 3 via Zoom – 2 April 2020
The Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group met for the third time (but for the first time via Zoom).
At the third meeting, the GMBH Advisory Group:
- discussed the new funding arrangements and deliverables for the GMBH program.
- were provided an outline of a new opportunity to address QUM issues faced by Remote Aboriginal Health Services work as a subproject of the GMBH program.
- provided advice and input into the various components of the GMBH program, including scoping for the diabetes and hypertension material
- discussed COVID-19 and the impact on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
At the meeting, it was also noted that NATSIHWA provided advice on scope of practice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers via an article in Croakey about supplying and administering medicines as health professionals are not allowed to visit remote communities during COVID-19.
Meeting 4 via Zoom – 22 May 2020
The Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group met for the fourth time, via Zoom. Karl Briscoe Chaired the fourth GMBH Advisory Group meeting.
The GMBH Advisory Group:
- discussed mentoring program models, and received an update on the NATSIHWA mentoring platform for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers
- provided advice and input into the various components of the GMBH program, including the learning outcomes for the diabetes and hypertension material
- discussed and selected the next two education topics for the GMBH program
- provided input into the evaluation plan for the overall GMBH program
- discussed the TOR for the GMBH Advisory Group to ensure that it reflects the breadth of advice that may be sought by NPS MedicineWise.
Meeting 5 via Zoom – 31 July 2020
The Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group met for the fifth time via Zoom. The fifth meeting of the Advisory Group included discussions on:
- An overall workplan for the GMBH program, including the specific components of the program, the resources that will underpin the education developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners and how the program will be evaluated.
- Proposed approaches towards the development of consumer resources for the GMBH program and how this will align with the education and training provided for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners.
- The quality use of medicines within Remote Area Aboriginal Health Services.
Meeting 6 via Zoom – 31 August 2020
The sixth meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and Chaired by Leonie Williamson from the Lowitja Institute. At this meeting, members:
- Finalised their feedback and advice on the workplan developed for the overall GMBH program, including proposed program components and their proposed approach to evaluation.
- Provided input and advice into the diabetes education being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners as part of the program.
- Provided advice on how to best to start the development of consumer resources for this program.
Meeting 7 via Zoom – 30 October 2020
The seventh meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and Chaired by James Harris from Djinda Creative Resources. At this meeting, members:
- Provided input and advice into the heart failure and mental health education being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners as part of the program.
- Provided advice on how to best to recruit community members to inform the development of consumer resources for this program.
- Highlighted who would be appropriate members of our Champion Network who can help promote the program.
Meeting 8 via Zoom – 18 December 2020
The eighth meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and chaired by Mike Stephens, Director Medicines Policy and Programs from National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). At this meeting, members:
- Provided input and advice on the content, learning objectives and format of the anxiety and depression health education modules being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners as part of the program
- Provided advice on the focus of the upcoming antibiotics topic
- Proposed approaches on how best to promote the GMBH program to relevant community groups and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners that would inform our targeting approach and facilitate the development of a program marketing plan.
Out of session activities (March 2021)
The meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group scheduled for 26 February 2021 was cancelled due to lack of a quorum. Out of session, members:
- Provided feedback on the composition and future membership of the GMBH advisory groups and suggested individuals or organisations we could approach
- Provided input and advice on the content, learning objectives and format of the antibiotic(s) education modules being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners as part of the program
- Provided feedback on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners evaluation survey
Meeting 9 via Zoom – 9 April 2021
The ninth meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and chaired by James Harris: Manager – Teacher, Professional Development - National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker and Practitioners (NAATSIHWP). At this meeting, members:
- Provided input, advice and suggestions on additional membership of the GMBH Advisory group and the process of appointment and they also agreed on the format and frequency of meetings
- Provided input and advice on the content, learning objectives and format of Quality Use of Medicines modules being developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners as part of the program
- Confirmed the topic areas and types of consumer resources to be developed and suggested alternative formats for delivery of consumer leaflets, flipcharts and brochures
- Provided feedback to the creative brief for the GMBH marketing video.
Meeting 10 via Zoom – 18 June 2021
The tenth meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and chaired by Karrina DeMasi: Senior Policy Officer – Aboriginal Medical Services Norther Territory (AMSANT). At this meeting, members:
- Provided further input, advice and suggestions on additional membership of the GMBH Advisory group and the process of appointment
- Confirmed upcoming meeting dates for the next financial year, including a face-to-face meeting in Canberra
- Provided initial feedback on the topic selection of modules for the next financial year, including developing 1–2 pain modules with an external consortium
- Provided advice on the user testing of consumer resources.
Meeting 11 via Zoom – 11 October 2021
The eleventh meeting of the Good Medicine Better Health (GMBH) Advisory Group was held via Zoom and chaired by Mike Stephens: Director Medicines Policy and Programs, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. At this meeting, members:
- Welcomed three new members of the GMBH Advisory group
- Linda Da Costa: Community Member, Danila Dilba Health Service
- Judith Parham: Advanced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker, Ravenshoe Primary Health Care Centre
- Paul Stewart: Deputy CEO, Lowitja Institute
- Confirmed revised upcoming meeting dates for the rest of the financial year
- Provided feedback on the content outline and learning objectives for two pain modules
- Discussed topic selection of remaining module topics for the current financial year and finalised these by vote out of session (smoking cessation, blood-borne viruses x 2)
- Provided feedback and advice on the preliminary evaluation report and the proposed final qualitative program evaluation
New program, new look
NPS MedicineWise engaged Dreamtime Creative to help develop a logo for the redesigned program. Dreamtime Creative was involved in developing the original images for Good Medicines Better Health 2010–12. Along with a redesigned program and a new look, we decided to change the name to Good Medicine Better Health. The new name aims to incorporates medical tests and other health technologies.
The logo’s three circles symbolise good medicine (green), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers (blue) and the new training approaches of the program (yellow). The smaller circles encapsulate the larger group as one.
The designer is Jordan Lovegrove, a young Ngarrindjeri man who combines intimate knowledge of Aboriginal communities and illustration skills to develop outstanding Indigenous artwork which is applied to a range of print and online communications.
Antibiotics and respiratory tract infections
This short module about Antibiotics and respiratory tract infections introduces an educational resource that has been developed to: update your knowledge about common respiratory tract infections and treatments, boost your knowledge about the use of antibiotic medicines in respiratory tract infections, help you have an informed conversation with your clients and community members about respiratory tract infections and antibiotic medicines.
Good Medicine Better Health: Antibiotics and respiratory tract infections
Anxiety and depression
This course consists of two 45-minute modules that aim to increase the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and health practitioners to educate clients and community members about mental health in the context of social and emotional wellbeing. Participants will gain knowledge about risk factors for anxiety and depression, strategies to manage low mood, medicines that are commonly used to manage depression and how to identify and manage potential side effects.
Asthma
The QUM for asthma in communities modules aim to increase the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to educate patients about their asthma, their asthma medicines and devices, and how to support a person having an asthma attack.
Good Medicine Better Health: Asthma
High blood pressure
This course consists of two 40-minute modules that aim to increase the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to educate clients and community members about high blood pressure and how to manage it. Participants will gain knowledge about risk factors for high blood pressure, common blood pressure medicines and how they work, and learn ways to reduce the risk for developing cardiovascular complications.
Good Medicine Better Health: High blood pressure
Preparing a medicines list
A medicines list tailored to clients’ and communities’ needs will contribute to informed decision-making about medicines, and improve quality of care when people transition between healthcare providers.
NACCHO Medicines Resources Group and NPS MedicineWise have used available evidence, current guidelines and practical experience to outline five principles to guide the healthcare industry and professionals in developing medicines lists that are appropriate for use by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
These principles are now available to download as separate pages or as the complete booklet.
A medicines list template has also been prepared, to support quality use of medicines among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, their families and healthcare providers.
The Medicine List template is available as a PowerPoint (.pptx) or PDF (.pdf) file. The PowerPoint (.pptx) template can be edited, allowing providers to personalise the list if required. Versions of the template have also been created, with instructions on how to complete the entry fields, including example medicines and images.
Quality use of medicines foundation
This course consists of two 45-minute modules that aim to increase knowledge about the quality use of medicines (QUM) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners and community members. Participants will gain an understanding about why QUM is important and how to practice QUM in clinics and community settings. The modules include information about medicines and how to read medicine labels, the safe use of medicines, identifying potential side-effects and interactions, safe storage and disposal of unused medicines.
Good Medicine Better Health: Quality use of medicines foundation
Type 2 diabetes
This course consists of one 40-minute module that aims to increase the confidence of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners to educate clients and community members about medicines in type 2 diabetes. Participants will gain knowledge about risk factors for type 2 diabetes and common diabetes medicines and their side effects. They will also gain an understanding of how lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise and adherence to medicines, can reduce the risk for developing cardiovascular complications.
Good Medicine Better Health: Type 2 diabetes