First Nations people will play a fundamental role in developing guidelines to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kidney patient outcomes, with more than $300,000 in Government funding to Kidney Health Australia to support national consultations.
Kidney Health Australia will hold 20 community consultations across the country with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to inform the Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment Indigenous Guidelines.
Renal failure disproportionately affects First Australians and we need to work together to improve and maintain the health of those who contract kidney disease.
Recent research shows almost one in five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 18 have indicators of chronic kidney disease.
Our people face unique challenges in the management of this condition, including access to services and leaving country to receive treatment.
The guidelines are being developed to address these and other challenges and to work towards delivering better treatment options and a healthier future.
They will also help support chronic kidney disease education, prevention, early detection, management and workforce education.
Grassroots consultation will allow Kidney Health Australia to ensure the guidelines are relevant and reflect what communities want and need.
In addition, a panel of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health clinicians, including community-based practitioners, will advise on the consultative process and the content of the guidelines.
The guidelines will complement the national renal roadmap currently under development and the priority placed on First Nations kidney health by the Council of Australian Governments.
The guidelines will also be a resource for Māori people, with Kidney Health Australia securing separate funding to hold community consultations in New Zealand.
Completion of the community consultations is expected in late 2019.
