Catrina Felton-Busch | James Cook University (original) (raw)

Papers by Catrina Felton-Busch

BMJ Open, 2022

BackgroundThis systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen’s actio... more BackgroundThis systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen’s action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) project which explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community women’s group (WG) action to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. There is now considerable international evidence that WGs improve MCH outcomes, and we were interested in understanding how and why this occurs. The following questions guided the review: (1) What are the characteristics, contextual influences and group processes associated with the MCH outcomes of WGs? (2) What are the theoretical and conceptual approaches to WGs? (3) What are the implications likely to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WGs?MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid); CINAHL (Ebsco); Informit health suite, Scopus, Emcare (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library and Informit), online search registers and grey literature using the terms mother, child, group, participato...

BMC Health Services Research, 2021

Background Achieving quality improvement in primary care is a challenge worldwide, with substanti... more Background Achieving quality improvement in primary care is a challenge worldwide, with substantial gaps between best practice and actual practice. Within the context of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Primary Health Care (PHC) services have great variation across settings, structures and context. Research has highlighted how these contextual differences can critically influence the success of Quality Improvement (QI) interventions and outcomes. Less understood is the interaction between local context and other factors, which may impact the implementation of QI interventions. This paper aims to explore the strengths and challenges in QI for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services and their priorities for improvement. Methods A multiple case study design was adopted, working with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services in Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. Data were collected via a health service survey, semi-structured interview...

Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conduc... more Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conducted by TAFE North Cairns in collaboration with James Cook University to deliver upskilling training, including simulation education, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in north Queensland. Aim of the project: The project goal was to assist eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to qualify for a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and be able to apply for registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia. Methods used to bring about change: Strategies developed for delivering quality clinical education in a collaborative environment include: - Shared resources – simulation equipment, teaching staff (knowledge and expertise), lesson plans and other equipment and resources - Regular meetings to explore innovative teaching strategies and enhance simulatio...

A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in ... more A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in tertiary education. In this study researchers implemented a mentoring circle at a remote satellite university campus in the Torres Strait, Australia using an action research approach. The aim of the study was to foster the emotional and social growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students to improve the students' experience and retention rates. Results of the study showed mentoring circles do support the development of emotional intelligence, which students need to work effectively in a university setting. Although this study was conducted within a nursing degree in a Torres Strait Island community, its findings have potential for use in other contexts.

Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conduc... more Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conducted by Tropical North Queensland TAFE in collaboration with James Cook University to deliver essential content to help with skills recognition and upskilling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Queensland. The project goal was to assist eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to qualify for a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and be able to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Purpose: This presentation will share what was achieved throughout this project and some of the challenges faced by the educational institutions in delivering the program. Furthermore, challenges faced by students will also be explored, along with strategies that were implemented to help overcome them. Issues for exploration or ideas for discussion: i.Criteria used for...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2020

BMJ Open, 2019

IntroductionCommunity-based Participatory Women’s Groups (PWGs) have proven to be an effective in... more IntroductionCommunity-based Participatory Women’s Groups (PWGs) have proven to be an effective intervention to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Less is known about how PWGs exert their effects in LMICs and virtually nothing is known about the contextual issues, processes and power relationships that affect PWG outcomes in high resource settings. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and critically analyse the current evidence on how and why PWGs improve the quality of MCH care. We aim to demonstrate how PWGs function and why PWG interventions contribute to social and health outcomes.Methods and analysisThe protocol will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. The databases Medline (Ovid): Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Ebsco); Informit health suite Scopus, Australian HealthInfoNet, the Cochrane Library and other sources will be searc...

Women and Birth, 2019

Australian Aboriginal women's aspirations for birthing on country (having our babies born on our ... more Australian Aboriginal women's aspirations for birthing on country (having our babies born on our traditional land) are increasingly being reported in Australian scholarly and policy literature. However given the paucity of publications authored by Aboriginal Australians from remote areas of Australia, how well can the current knowledge base in Australia inform the development of culturally appropriate maternity services for our communities? Objective: The aim of this literature review is to critically analyse the policy documents informing maternity services policy and scholarly literature on the birthing experiences (including the provision of maternity services) of Aboriginal Australian women from remote communities from an Indigenous standpoint. Method: Policy documents and scholarly literature were critically analysed to identify who the authors were, their background, approaches and perspectives; and emergent themes. A further analysis of the literature drew on Fairclough's ideas on discourse, power and hegemony. Findings: A critical discourse analysis of this literature exposed how these texts are ideologically shaped to give voice (and power) to the medical fraternity, maternity care services practitioners and policy makers (whose knowledge is valued) while simultaneously silencing the voices of Aboriginal Australians that pose a challenge to that power. Conclusion: This critical review of current literature highlights the importance of ongoing critique of maternity services policy and practice discourse necessary to combat western medical hegemony that maintains the disenfranchisement of Aboriginal Australians.

Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2018

Rural and remote health, 2018

In 2012, the new profession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP)... more In 2012, the new profession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) was registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. The project in this present study evolved out of the Australian Government\'s recognition of the need for the existing Indigenous health worker (IHW) workforce to meet the minimum qualification requirements for registration as ATSIHPs through recognition of prior learning and/or further education. A total of 53 IHWs participated in the upskilling project between June 2014 and June 2015, with approximately 200 IHWs from Queensland expressing an interest in undertaking the training. This demonstrated a clear need for further training programs such as this one. The project was coordinated by the Indigenous Health Unit at James Cook University (JCU) with training being delivered by TAFE Cairns in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Dentistry, JCU. Students travelled from as far north as the Torres ...

Keeping paramedic students connected whilst on on-road clinical placement 2.35-2.55

BACKGROUND:In an effort to improve the retention of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students,... more BACKGROUND:In an effort to improve the retention of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students, Academic and Support Staff within the Health disciplines of James Cook University have identified the need to build foundations for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and develop strategies to support them to stay connected, motivated and improve academic outcomes. AIMS OF STUDY: UConnect was initiated to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery students who are at risk, particularly those from rural and remote communities and to inform improvements in the provision of social, cultural and academic support services for our students. METHODS: UConnect comprised of i) Interview Script and Assessment Tool, and ii) an Individual Student Support Plan, to provide important baseline data to academic and support staff to ensure appropriate monitoring, referrals and follow-ups. RESULTS:UConnect has provided new learnings about the specific needs a...

Education for health (Abingdon, England), 2009

Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a crucial role in the delivery of primary health care servi... more Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a crucial role in the delivery of primary health care services in underserved rural and remote communities throughout Australia. The Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH), in Northwest Queensland, Australia, has been involved in training AHWs since 2001. During this time, it has been observed that while there has been interest in pursuing further education in other health careers, the uptake for advanced study by AHWs has been minimal. This exploratory study was designed to assess the career aspirations of local AHWs (both qualified and students) as well as community stakeholder views to identify barriers experienced when undertaking advanced education. The study used a descriptive and exploratory design. AHWs and key stakeholders were invited to participate. Open-ended interviews were undertaken with nine participants in two communities in the Mount Isa Health Service District in Northwest Queensland, Australia. While there was ...

To be effective, rural health education must address not just the clinical idiosyncrasies of this... more To be effective, rural health education must address not just the clinical idiosyncrasies of this working environment but also the social and cultural aspects of rural communities and their residents. However, it is exactly this aspect of rural practice that can be hard to capture as a visitor or new recruit to these areas. By introducing a focus on 'giving back' to the communities involved in our education programs, MICRRH has been able to increase education opportunities in collaboration with other health care organisations while also supporting them to build their workforce. This then improves the sustainability of both the services and education programs. While in many cases the strategies used are not novel or unique, the concerted effort to ensure the community receives a return on their investment in health education adds another dimension to these relationships which has been integral to the success of MICRRH’s rural health education programs.

Higher Education Research & Development, 2014

Attempts to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into nursing degrees have made... more Attempts to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into nursing degrees have made minimal impact on the number of registered nurses working in Australia's health care sector. Yet increasing the number of Indigenous nurses remains one of the most important objectives in strategies to close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Poor retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree offered in far north Queensland, Australia, indicates the need for a different approach to support and retain Indigenous students. This action research study used a decolonizing methodology and was conducted at a satellite university campus in a remote Torres Strait Island community. Researchers trialled the use of a mentoring circle to support and retain nursing students and interviewed mentors and mentees about their experiences. Grounded theory methods were used to analyse the data. Findings indicated a growth in participant students' emotional intelligence as a result of participating in a mentoring circle. Students developed confidence, formed a group identity, better-negotiated the university environment, became more effective communicators and supported one another through difficulties. The mentoring circle model improved students' university experience and its use should be considered by tertiary educators working with Indigenous students.

Contemporary Nurse, 2013

A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in ... more A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in tertiary education. In this study researchers implemented a mentoring circle at a remote James Cook University satellite campus in the Torres Strait. The aim of the study was to foster the emotional and social growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students to improve the students' experience and retention rates. Early results of the study showed mentoring circles support the development of time management, communication skills and self awareness, which students need to work effectively in a university setting. Although this study was conducted within a nursing degree in a Torres Strait Island community, its findings have potential for use in other contexts. In this paper researchers offer guidelines to establish a mentoring circle in a tertiary setting.

Contemporary Nurse, 2009

The concept of birthing on country for Aboriginal people means having babies born on traditional ... more The concept of birthing on country for Aboriginal people means having babies born on traditional lands, and more recently the term is used to indicate the desire of Aboriginal communities to have our babies born in our communities. Being born on country connects an Aboriginal person to the land and community in a deeply cultural way and affords lifelong privileges such as hunting and fi shing rights, as well as life long responsibilities for looking after country, both land and people. For Aboriginal women, birthing has moved from the personal to the political as governments provide policies about what is 'best' for Aboriginal women and their babies.

BMJ Open, 2022

BackgroundThis systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen’s actio... more BackgroundThis systematic review was undertaken to assist the implementation of the WOmen’s action for Mums and Bubs (WOMB) project which explores Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community women’s group (WG) action to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes. There is now considerable international evidence that WGs improve MCH outcomes, and we were interested in understanding how and why this occurs. The following questions guided the review: (1) What are the characteristics, contextual influences and group processes associated with the MCH outcomes of WGs? (2) What are the theoretical and conceptual approaches to WGs? (3) What are the implications likely to inform Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WGs?MethodsWe systematically searched electronic databases (MEDLINE (Ovid); CINAHL (Ebsco); Informit health suite, Scopus, Emcare (Ovid) and the Cochrane Library and Informit), online search registers and grey literature using the terms mother, child, group, participato...

BMC Health Services Research, 2021

Background Achieving quality improvement in primary care is a challenge worldwide, with substanti... more Background Achieving quality improvement in primary care is a challenge worldwide, with substantial gaps between best practice and actual practice. Within the context of Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Primary Health Care (PHC) services have great variation across settings, structures and context. Research has highlighted how these contextual differences can critically influence the success of Quality Improvement (QI) interventions and outcomes. Less understood is the interaction between local context and other factors, which may impact the implementation of QI interventions. This paper aims to explore the strengths and challenges in QI for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services and their priorities for improvement. Methods A multiple case study design was adopted, working with eight Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PHC services in Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia. Data were collected via a health service survey, semi-structured interview...

Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conduc... more Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conducted by TAFE North Cairns in collaboration with James Cook University to deliver upskilling training, including simulation education, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers in north Queensland. Aim of the project: The project goal was to assist eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to qualify for a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and be able to apply for registration with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia. Methods used to bring about change: Strategies developed for delivering quality clinical education in a collaborative environment include: - Shared resources – simulation equipment, teaching staff (knowledge and expertise), lesson plans and other equipment and resources - Regular meetings to explore innovative teaching strategies and enhance simulatio...

A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in ... more A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in tertiary education. In this study researchers implemented a mentoring circle at a remote satellite university campus in the Torres Strait, Australia using an action research approach. The aim of the study was to foster the emotional and social growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students to improve the students' experience and retention rates. Results of the study showed mentoring circles do support the development of emotional intelligence, which students need to work effectively in a university setting. Although this study was conducted within a nursing degree in a Torres Strait Island community, its findings have potential for use in other contexts.

Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conduc... more Introduction: Throughout 2014 and 2015 a series of three, two-week residential blocks were conducted by Tropical North Queensland TAFE in collaboration with James Cook University to deliver essential content to help with skills recognition and upskilling of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers in Queensland. The project goal was to assist eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers to qualify for a Certificate IV in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and be able to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Purpose: This presentation will share what was achieved throughout this project and some of the challenges faced by the educational institutions in delivering the program. Furthermore, challenges faced by students will also be explored, along with strategies that were implemented to help overcome them. Issues for exploration or ideas for discussion: i.Criteria used for...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2020

BMJ Open, 2019

IntroductionCommunity-based Participatory Women’s Groups (PWGs) have proven to be an effective in... more IntroductionCommunity-based Participatory Women’s Groups (PWGs) have proven to be an effective intervention to improve maternal and child health (MCH) outcomes in low/middle-income countries (LMICs). Less is known about how PWGs exert their effects in LMICs and virtually nothing is known about the contextual issues, processes and power relationships that affect PWG outcomes in high resource settings. The aim of this systematic review is to synthesise and critically analyse the current evidence on how and why PWGs improve the quality of MCH care. We aim to demonstrate how PWGs function and why PWG interventions contribute to social and health outcomes.Methods and analysisThe protocol will follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. The databases Medline (Ovid): Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (Ebsco); Informit health suite Scopus, Australian HealthInfoNet, the Cochrane Library and other sources will be searc...

Women and Birth, 2019

Australian Aboriginal women's aspirations for birthing on country (having our babies born on our ... more Australian Aboriginal women's aspirations for birthing on country (having our babies born on our traditional land) are increasingly being reported in Australian scholarly and policy literature. However given the paucity of publications authored by Aboriginal Australians from remote areas of Australia, how well can the current knowledge base in Australia inform the development of culturally appropriate maternity services for our communities? Objective: The aim of this literature review is to critically analyse the policy documents informing maternity services policy and scholarly literature on the birthing experiences (including the provision of maternity services) of Aboriginal Australian women from remote communities from an Indigenous standpoint. Method: Policy documents and scholarly literature were critically analysed to identify who the authors were, their background, approaches and perspectives; and emergent themes. A further analysis of the literature drew on Fairclough's ideas on discourse, power and hegemony. Findings: A critical discourse analysis of this literature exposed how these texts are ideologically shaped to give voice (and power) to the medical fraternity, maternity care services practitioners and policy makers (whose knowledge is valued) while simultaneously silencing the voices of Aboriginal Australians that pose a challenge to that power. Conclusion: This critical review of current literature highlights the importance of ongoing critique of maternity services policy and practice discourse necessary to combat western medical hegemony that maintains the disenfranchisement of Aboriginal Australians.

Australian Journal of Primary Health, 2018

Rural and remote health, 2018

In 2012, the new profession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP)... more In 2012, the new profession of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) was registered under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009. The project in this present study evolved out of the Australian Government\'s recognition of the need for the existing Indigenous health worker (IHW) workforce to meet the minimum qualification requirements for registration as ATSIHPs through recognition of prior learning and/or further education. A total of 53 IHWs participated in the upskilling project between June 2014 and June 2015, with approximately 200 IHWs from Queensland expressing an interest in undertaking the training. This demonstrated a clear need for further training programs such as this one. The project was coordinated by the Indigenous Health Unit at James Cook University (JCU) with training being delivered by TAFE Cairns in collaboration with the College of Medicine and Dentistry, JCU. Students travelled from as far north as the Torres ...

Keeping paramedic students connected whilst on on-road clinical placement 2.35-2.55

BACKGROUND:In an effort to improve the retention of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students,... more BACKGROUND:In an effort to improve the retention of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students, Academic and Support Staff within the Health disciplines of James Cook University have identified the need to build foundations for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and develop strategies to support them to stay connected, motivated and improve academic outcomes. AIMS OF STUDY: UConnect was initiated to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery students who are at risk, particularly those from rural and remote communities and to inform improvements in the provision of social, cultural and academic support services for our students. METHODS: UConnect comprised of i) Interview Script and Assessment Tool, and ii) an Individual Student Support Plan, to provide important baseline data to academic and support staff to ensure appropriate monitoring, referrals and follow-ups. RESULTS:UConnect has provided new learnings about the specific needs a...

Education for health (Abingdon, England), 2009

Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a crucial role in the delivery of primary health care servi... more Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) play a crucial role in the delivery of primary health care services in underserved rural and remote communities throughout Australia. The Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH), in Northwest Queensland, Australia, has been involved in training AHWs since 2001. During this time, it has been observed that while there has been interest in pursuing further education in other health careers, the uptake for advanced study by AHWs has been minimal. This exploratory study was designed to assess the career aspirations of local AHWs (both qualified and students) as well as community stakeholder views to identify barriers experienced when undertaking advanced education. The study used a descriptive and exploratory design. AHWs and key stakeholders were invited to participate. Open-ended interviews were undertaken with nine participants in two communities in the Mount Isa Health Service District in Northwest Queensland, Australia. While there was ...

To be effective, rural health education must address not just the clinical idiosyncrasies of this... more To be effective, rural health education must address not just the clinical idiosyncrasies of this working environment but also the social and cultural aspects of rural communities and their residents. However, it is exactly this aspect of rural practice that can be hard to capture as a visitor or new recruit to these areas. By introducing a focus on 'giving back' to the communities involved in our education programs, MICRRH has been able to increase education opportunities in collaboration with other health care organisations while also supporting them to build their workforce. This then improves the sustainability of both the services and education programs. While in many cases the strategies used are not novel or unique, the concerted effort to ensure the community receives a return on their investment in health education adds another dimension to these relationships which has been integral to the success of MICRRH’s rural health education programs.

Higher Education Research & Development, 2014

Attempts to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into nursing degrees have made... more Attempts to recruit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students into nursing degrees have made minimal impact on the number of registered nurses working in Australia's health care sector. Yet increasing the number of Indigenous nurses remains one of the most important objectives in strategies to close the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Poor retention of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in a Bachelor of Nursing Science degree offered in far north Queensland, Australia, indicates the need for a different approach to support and retain Indigenous students. This action research study used a decolonizing methodology and was conducted at a satellite university campus in a remote Torres Strait Island community. Researchers trialled the use of a mentoring circle to support and retain nursing students and interviewed mentors and mentees about their experiences. Grounded theory methods were used to analyse the data. Findings indicated a growth in participant students' emotional intelligence as a result of participating in a mentoring circle. Students developed confidence, formed a group identity, better-negotiated the university environment, became more effective communicators and supported one another through difficulties. The mentoring circle model improved students' university experience and its use should be considered by tertiary educators working with Indigenous students.

Contemporary Nurse, 2013

A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in ... more A mentoring circle is a teaching and learning strategy that has been used to support students in tertiary education. In this study researchers implemented a mentoring circle at a remote James Cook University satellite campus in the Torres Strait. The aim of the study was to foster the emotional and social growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nursing students to improve the students' experience and retention rates. Early results of the study showed mentoring circles support the development of time management, communication skills and self awareness, which students need to work effectively in a university setting. Although this study was conducted within a nursing degree in a Torres Strait Island community, its findings have potential for use in other contexts. In this paper researchers offer guidelines to establish a mentoring circle in a tertiary setting.

Contemporary Nurse, 2009

The concept of birthing on country for Aboriginal people means having babies born on traditional ... more The concept of birthing on country for Aboriginal people means having babies born on traditional lands, and more recently the term is used to indicate the desire of Aboriginal communities to have our babies born in our communities. Being born on country connects an Aboriginal person to the land and community in a deeply cultural way and affords lifelong privileges such as hunting and fi shing rights, as well as life long responsibilities for looking after country, both land and people. For Aboriginal women, birthing has moved from the personal to the political as governments provide policies about what is 'best' for Aboriginal women and their babies.