Academics
This is my Academics Page. It's a great opportunity to help visitors understand the context and background of my latest readings. Click on the title of the literature to view the linked book or article.
01
"Closing the Gap in a Generation: Health Equity through Action on the Social Determinants of Health" report by the Commission on Social Determinants of Health profoundly informs my work. This report illuminates the powerful connection between social determinants and health disparities, emphasizing the critical role of factors like income, education, housing, and social support. It serves as my guiding compass, enabling me to develop precise, community-specific initiatives that target these underlying issues. Collaborative efforts with local organisations and businesses are encouraged, ensuring a holistic approach to reduce health inequalities. By aligning my work with the report's recommendations, I aim to create lasting change, advocate for policies addressing the root causes of health disparities, and foster equitable access to healthcare and social resources within my community.
02
Performance-Based Financing (PBF) experiments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have positively impacted healthcare. PBF links financial incentives to health-related targets, fostering improved service delivery, increased access to healthcare, and empowerment of local health systems. It promotes data-driven decision-making. Challenges include the need for robust monitoring, alignment of incentives with broader health goals, and prevention of unintended consequences. As a Community Engagement Manager, the success of PBF in the DRC underscores the importance of community involvement in innovative healthcare approaches. Advocating for and facilitating community participation can further enhance healthcare quality and access in your community.
03
“Woman-centered care: Strategic directions for Australian maternity services" report provides essential insights into the state of maternity care in Australia since the 2019 Strategy's release. It offers a baseline understanding of maternity care and identifies gaps and challenges, including workforce capacity and coordination issues. The report's recognition of the impact of COVID-19 on resource allocation informs adaptive engagement strategies. Varied progress between jurisdictions and a focus on values like safety and respect guide community engagement efforts. Stakeholder perspectives are integrated, ensuring that initiatives address diverse needs. This report equips me with data to tailor community engagement efforts effectively, improving maternity care in Australia.
04
The report highlights the importance of collaboration with healthcare providers. While specific to Australia, the report provides transferable lessons for fostering meaningful community involvement in healthcare decision-making. By addressing challenges and capitalising on opportunities for empowerment, this report informs my efforts to engage communities and healthcare providers in improving healthcare services. It illuminates the potential for community empowerment through healthcare participation and the challenges to implementation. Understanding service providers' perspectives aids in tailoring community engagement strategies effectively.
References:
Boydell, V., McMullen, H., Cordero, J., Steyn, P., & Kiare, J. (2019). Studying social accountability in the context of health system strengthening: innovations and considerations for future work. Health Research Policy and Systems,17 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-019-0438-x
Closing the gap in a generation health equity through action on the social determinants of health : Commission on Social Determinants of Health final report. (2008). World Health Organization, Commission on Social Determinants of Health.
Calma, T. (2006). ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSIONER – NATIVE TITLE REPORT 2005. Australian Indigenous Law Reporter, 10(1), 84–88.
Dahlen, H. G., Ormsby, S., Staines, A., Kirk, M., Johnson, L., Small,K., Hazard, B., & Schmied, V. (2023). A comparison of the Woman-centred care: strategic directions for Australian maternity services (2019) national strategy with other international maternity plans. Women and Birth : Journal of the Australian College of Midwives, 36(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wombi.2022.04.003
Fried, B. J., PhD., & Harris, D. M., J.D. (2007). MANAGING HEALTHCARE SERVICES IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE. Frontiers of Health Services Management, 24(2), 3-18. http://ezproxy.uws.edu.au/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/managing-healthcare-services-global-marketplace/docview/203892338/se-2
Henderson, C. W. (2009). Studies from V. Flenady et al further understanding of antenatal care (Implementation of a clinical practice guideline for smoking cessation in a public antenatal care setting). In Women’s health weekly (p. a134–). NewsRx
Kronenfeld, J. J. (2008). Inequalities and disparities in health care and health concerns of patients, providers and insurers (1st ed.). JAI Press.
Sawyer, A., Kaim, A., Le, H.-N., McDonald, D., Mittinty, M., Lynch, J., & Sawyer, M. (2019). The Effectiveness of an App-Based Nurse-Moderated Program for New Mothers With Depression and Parenting Problems (eMums Plus): Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 21(6), e13689–e13689. https://doi.org/10.2196/13689
Soeters, R., Peerenboom, P. B., Mushagalusa, P., & Kimanuka, C. (2011). Performance-Based Financing Experiment Improved Health Care In The Democratic Republic Of Congo. Health Affairs, 30(8), 1518–1527. https://doi.org/10.1377/hlthaff.2009.0019
Tsang, T. W., Kingsland, M., Doherty, E., Wiggers, J., Attia, J., Wolfenden, L., Dunlop, A., Tully, B., Symonds, I., Rissel, C.,
Lecathelinais, C., & Elliott, E. J. (2022). Effectiveness of a practice change intervention in reducing alcohol consumption in pregnant women attending public maternity services. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention and Policy, 17(1), 1–63. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-022-00490-2