SimHealth's Strategy: Reducing Indigenous Healthcare Inequality

This case study analyzes SimHealth's approach to tackling healthcare disparities affecting Indigenous Queenslanders, who face challenges like limited access, cultural alienation, and systemic marginalization. The study highlights the disproportionately high rates of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, and lower life expectancy within this population. SimHealth aims to improve healthcare accessibility and cultural competence through initiatives like increasing the number of Aboriginal healthcare workers, enhancing public awareness, and establishing an online portal for community consultations. The proposal emphasizes the benefits of a culturally diverse healthcare system, including social, health, and economic advantages, with measurable outcomes such as improved diagnosis rates, increased health check-ups, and greater participation in healthcare services. The ultimate goal is to create a more equitable and effective healthcare system for Indigenous Queenslanders, reducing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. The document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a variety of study resources including past papers and solved assignments.

The current disparities in the Australian
healthcare system are responsible for
the high diabetes rates among
indigenous Queenslanders. Such a
trend can only be resolved through a
collaborative community approach.
SimHealth intends to use the ‘Push for
Health’ funds to create an enabling
environment through social inclusion
and public awareness.
A Community-Based
Solution to
Queensland’s Diabetes
Dilemma
Add authour here (Student Name)
simHealth
Date and document version
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Summary Statement
Australia’s healthcare industry is currently plagued by devastating levels of inequalities. The
quality of care experienced by Aboriginal Queenslanders is very low compared to their non-Aboriginal
counterparts (Landsbergis, Grywacz, & LaMontagne, 2014). The implications of this trend have been
evidenced in the overall well-being of these groups: aboriginals record higher rates of chronic illnesses
such as diabetes than non-aboriginals. Recent studies affirmed the preceding stipulation by highlighting
that aboriginals were twice likely to suffer from diabetes (Durey & Thompson, 2012). Having a clear
grasp of the challenges facing the indigenous population in the region enhances SimHealth’s ability to
develop and implement effectual public health improvement strategies and procedures.
For now, it suffices to state that aboriginals are highly concentrated in Australia’s Queensland
City. On average, the life expectancy rate of this population is ten years lower than that of other
Queenslanders. This disparity is believed to result from a broad range of systemic and demographic
challenges. Some of the systemic factors include including racism, high incarceration levels, and
unemployment among other transgenerational impacts of colonization (McNamara, et al., 2018). The
major demographic dynamic behind the problem facing the Australian healthcare sector is ageing. At the
moment, Over 14 percent of the populace comprises individuals over the age of 65 (Worry, n.d).
McNamara and cohorts (2018) find this factor quite alarming since human beings typically experience
deteriorating health as they age. In their view, this age-group is among the high-risk population with
respect to diabetes and the relative complications.
As a company with a long-standing reputation, SimHealth is best placed to resolve the healthcare
challenge faced by the indigenous people of Queensland. Such an intrepid assertion is grounded on the
fact that the company’s profile reflects established bonds with the Australian populace: emphasis on its
role during drastic times such as World War, nationwide disease outbreaks (e.g. bubonic plague), and
world depressions among others (Worry, n.d). This is not to imply that the task ahead does not require a
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joint industrial effort. On the contrary, SimHealth will engage different industry stakeholders in a
collaborative utilization of the ‘Push for Life Program’ funds if it will be awarded the grant.
If given the opportunity, SimHealth will initiate a nationwide campaign aimed at increasing the
numbers of aboriginal healthcare workers as well as the public’s – mainly the indigenous members –
grasp of the importance of participating in healthcare. In order to meet both goals, the program will utilize
two options: an online portal for connecting aboriginal consultants with their community members and a
training and employment process to increase the number of indigenous practitioners. This campaign will
be vital in the resolution of the current problem.
Introduction
Racial segregation in the Australian healthcare sector has had a detrimental impact on the
Aboriginals and Torres Islanders populace. Recent studies have exposed the factors that prevent this
population from accessing high quality care (Thurber, et al., 2018). Various issues have been listed
including racism, social dispossession, unemployment, and illiteracy among others. According to Thurber
and colleagues (2018), these dynamics have resulted in systemic marginalization. Consequently, the
country has witnessed an increase in diabetes and mortality rates among the indigenous people. At the
moment, this population is twice more likely than its non-aboriginal counterpart to develop diabetes
(Rahiri, et al., 2018). Moreover, aboriginals have a life-expectancy rate that is 10 years lower than the rest
of the Australian population. These trends are also reflected in a broad range of complications including
myopia, asthma, arthritis, hyperopia, auditory impairments, respiratory infections, and high sugar levels.
Note that recent investigations have uncovered intense correlation between the mentioned conditions and
the indigenous population of Queensland and Australia at large. Rahiri and associates add that the trend is
quite amendable and avoidable (2018). For this reason, they recommend investment in resource-building
to resolve the current industrial impediments. Also, the conditions are highly linked to diabetes.
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As an organization that understands its population, SimHealth is highly likely to transform the
current healthcare trends towards a positive end. At this point, the reader can acknowledge that something
ought to be done to resolve the problem faced by indigenous Queenslanders. SimHealth’s profile best
positions it as a socially responsible corporate actor.
2 Assessment of the Situation
2.1 Problem Statement
Aboriginal Queenslanders have reported a plethora of challenges with respect to the accessibility
of mainstream healthcare services. Some of these issues include lack of transport, unwelcoming hospital
setting, inflexible treatment options, a sense of alienation, and mistrust of the care providers. As far as the
issue of transport is concerned, approximately 86 percent of Queensland aboriginals live in remote areas
(Azzopardi, et al., 2018). This issue curtails their ability to access care providers in emergency scenarios
including diabetes-induced heart attacks and strokes. On the other hand, the strong sense of alienation
results from the passive racial segregation. It is not uncommon for an indigenous Queenslander to enter
an unwelcoming hospital setting. Such a scenario sparks mistrust among aboriginals; thus, preventing
them from seeking care when in need. When viewed from an analytical lens, it is clear that the poor
quality healthcare experienced by the aboriginals results from marginalization.
An observer once remarked that the major cause of healthcare disparities in Australia is the
system’s inability to respond to the economic, infrastructural, social, and cultural requirements of
aboriginal people. This sentiment was affirmed by one James Sandy (A diabetic Indigenous
Queenslander) when he claimed that the deaths of his nine siblings resulted from the disconnection
between the system and the indigenous populations (Alston, et al., 2017). According to him (Sandy)
community fails to equally distribute the necessary resources required by diabetes management. As a
result, fewer and fewer indigenous individuals access healthcare. Alston and colleagues conclude that
such a scenario is one among the widely publicized grievances (2017).
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2.2 Evidence of the problem
Inequality. By now, it is apparent that the indigenous Queenslanders are a high-risk population
with respect to preventable life-threatening conditions such as diabetes. As a matter of fact, there is a
nationwide campaign towards the alleviation of this healthcare phenomenon. The Australian government
has allocated significant amount of resources and initiatives towards the same. The ‘Closing the Gap
(CtG) initiative is quite exemplary at this juncture. This campaign was initiated by the national body
COAG – the Council of Australian Governments’ -, through the funding system created under the
National Partnership Agreements (NPA). The fact that the system inequalities have attracted nationwide
concerns validates this argument.
Cause of the Inequality. This paper has also acknowledged that the described inequality is caused
by social, economic, and cultural factors that can be resolved through community-based interventions. In
light with the current public concerns, a broad range of investigations have been implemented with the
aim of understanding the healthcare challenge facing Australia. Researchers agree that the disparity stems
from various factors including racism, illiteracy, and unemployment among others (Thurber, et al., 2018).
Racial marginalization has emerged in most academic reports. There is a strong belief that most of the
region’s hospital settings are not designed to facilitate indigenous people’s needs. Such a systemic failure
results from bias services, lack of cultural diversity, and lack of supportive infrastructure. The first two
causes explain why most indigenous individuals feel unwelcomed and distrustful when in various
hospitals. As for the infrastructure, the lack of care facilities in remote areas jeopardizes the aboriginal
Queenslanders’ ability to access high quality care. This factor inspires the idea that an appropriate
solution is one that would strive for the creation and maintenance of a culturally-tolerant society
(Thurber, et al., 2018).
Impacts of the Inequality. Inability to access high quality care reflects on the health performance
of the indigenous people of Queensland. Unlike their non-aboriginal counterparts, individuals from this
population are twice likely to develop diabetes (Brands, et al., 2018). They also have a significantly lower
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life expectancy rates than the rest of the population. These observations are advanced by the trends noted
by SimHealth’s research department. The study found that indigenous Australians had higher prevalence
rates in diabetes-related conditions such as hyperopia (30 vs. 25), asthma (18 vs. 10), arthritis (17 vs. 13),
and auditory impairments (16 vs. 12) (Worry, n.d). Note that the rates for diabetes across the two groups
were 14 (indigenous) and 4 (non-indigenous).
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). KPIs are essential in defining a problem through
quantification and categorization. Some of the key performance indicators in the current case include
BMI, Alcohol consumption, smoking status, and diagnosis rates. As far as the mentioned KPIs are
concerned, the indigenous people of Queensland record high rates than non-aboriginals.
3 Benefits of this proposal
3.1 Benefits to be delivered
Considering the nature of the problem faced by Indigenous Queenslanders and the solution
pursued by SimHealth, one can agree that this proposal is deeply ingrained in the concept of cultural
competence. As the world continues to attain globalization, societies are becoming more diverse, thus
necessitating inclusion in the public healthcare sector (Angell, et al., 2017). Queensland’s challenges
result from the lack of a culturally competent healthcare system. If this proposal will be granted, the
people will have a chance to enjoy the wide range of cultural competence benefits. By default, these
merits are categorized as social, health, and business.
Social Benefits. Healthcare ought to be approached from a community-based perspective. Such a
strategic move allows the industry to include all people regardless of social, economic, and political
differences (Lai, Taylor, Haigh, & Thompson, 2018). The advocates of the community-based healthcare
approach acknowledge the fact that the differences can enhance operations across the industry. Once such
a goal is attained, the industry experiences trust, increased public/family/individual participation, and
mutual respect and understanding (Durey, 2010). The approval of this proposal will lead to a
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collaborative process whereby indigenous Queenslanders will be included in the delivery of care to fellow
natives.
Health Benefits. The overall health of Queenslanders is also bound to benefit from this proposal.
As noted, major disparities characterize the Australian healthcare sector. A culturally diverse system will
improve the treatment of preventable conditions such as diabetes (Lai, Taylor, Haigh, & Thompson,
2018). For instance, investment in public awareness and cultural inclusion will ensure that the diabetic
Queenslanders face little or no barriers in to care.
Economic Benefits. From an economic standpoint, cultural competence enhances organizational
diversity, which in turn improves the decision-making process. Such a factor implies that the proposed
project might enhance the economic performance of Queensland’s healthcare sector by facilitating an
innovative environment.
3.2 Measuring the outcomes
Measurement
Description Baseline Measure
What is the current
state?
Target Measure
(Include interim
targets. Consider $,
FTE, rates, target
budget, etc.)
When will measurement
occur?
What is the measure? Start
Date
Frequenc
y
End
Date
 Diagnosis and
prevalence Rates
 Health check-ups
 Public awareness
 The number of
indigenous
practitioners
 At the moment,
the diagnosis
rates for obesity
among
indigenous
Queenslanders
is twice that of
non-aboriginals
 Almost 40
percent of
aboriginals aged
55-years and
above are
affected
 Very few
aboriginals
participate in
their medical
 The diagnosis
rates should be
at par or lower
considering the
relatively low
native populace
(1:1 ratio).
 Reduce the rate
by 10 percent
 Increase the
rates of hospital
visits by10
percent.
 Reach over
100,000
individual through
the online
consultancy
 2019  5-years  2026
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care due to
cultural and
industrial
barriers
 Very few
aboriginals are
hired as care
practitioners
portal
 Train and hire at
least 1,000
aboriginals into
relevant positions
including nurses,
receptionists, and
consultants.
4 Solutions
4.1 Description of Option
Current Option (Status Quo) - Currently, very little is being done to promote a culturally competent
healthcare sector. Most hospitals have no aboriginals working as providers. The few indigenous
individuals that are working in Australia’s healthcare sector are in non-provider roles such as janitors and
errand boys/girls (Lai, Taylor, Haigh, & Thompson, 2018). Apart from that, very few facilities have been
designed to accommodate the cultural and traditional preferences of the indigenous patients (Anderson, et
al., 2017). This factor explains the feeling of dispossession highlighted earlier in the paper. Most
importantly, limited resources have been directed towards public enlightenment of the indigenous
populations. Like most native populations, Australia’s aboriginals and Torres Islanders have a negative
perception of modern treatment options (Jacobs, et al., 2018). This trend is influenced by their strong
cultural values, beliefs, and approaches to health (Jacobs, et al., 2018). Others lack sufficient knowledge
regarding the management of diabetes. Such a factor is highly attributed to the low investment in public
education. If SimHealth chooses to apply this option, all the funds will be invested in additional facilities
in the remote areas to reach the aboriginals.
The Preferred Option - Queensland’s healthcare industry participants should embrace cultural
competence. As a socially responsible organization, SimHealth proposes a public inclusion campaign that
will involve enhancement of public awareness and the involvement of aboriginals in the provision of care.
Below is a detailed description of its implementation:
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Involvement of Aboriginals in Care Provision
This goal will be reached through the training and hiring program suggested in the preceding section.
SimHealth will create one training facility so as to accommodate at least 400 trainees per training period
(1 year). The construction costs are expected to be around 10 million dollars. The trainees will be
equipped with essential care skills including nursing and consultancy. The estimated cost of training each
individual is 13,400 dollars. If successful, SimHealth will train and hired over 1,000 care providers by the
end of the 5-year period. Note that five million dollars will be set aside for maintaining the training site.
Public Awareness
This goal will be attained through the creation of an online portal for aboriginal healthcare consultants to
reach their fellow tribesmen. This approach will enhance participation among the indigenous Australians
since they are highly likely to acknowledge the advice from aboriginal professionals. The portal will be
created as a social networking platform to enhance participation.
Portal Development and Maintenance. The portal will be developed and maintained by
SimHealth’s Financial and Business Development department. The development stage is expected to cost
approximately 10 million dollars. The maintenance team will include a network manager, a
cryptographer, and a web designer. Each of them will receive monthly compensation of around 48,000
dollars. This figure rounds up to 1,728,000 dollars on an annual basis: 8,640,000 dollars by the end of the
five-year period.
Target. The network will include a minimum of 1,000 consultants: some will be trained by
SimHealth while others will be outsourced from other institutions. These consultants will be expected to
reach over 100 people so that the 100,000 target can be attained. Note that the consultants will charge
reasonable fees for their services.
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4.2 Comparison of Options
Compare the options by summarising the benefits, risk, costs, timeframes and other relevant criteria.
Criteria Option 1 Option 2
Benefits
 Community or patients
 Staff
 Organisation
The current option involves
expansion into remote areas. It
will benefit native
Queenslanders by bringing
healthcare services close to
them. It will also expand
SimHealth’s market reach.
Unlike the first option, this one
will apply a systematic approach
to the alleviation of systemic
inequalities. The indigenous
community will benefit from the
training and hiring process (a
solution to the current
unemployment). The workers
will have multiple perspectives,
which will improve decision-
making. As for the patients,
they will benefit from the
communication platforms
offered to aboriginal consultants.
SimHealth’s brand value will
also grow due to the community-
based approach.
Risk
 Community or patients
 Staff
 Organisation
While this option fosters
geographic penetration into
native regions, it does not
include the aboriginals in care
provision. Therefore, it is highly
likely to fail due to lack of
appeal. Note that most
aboriginals feel uncomfortable in
the predominantly white
settings.
The only challenge with this
option is the low internet usage
among indigenous Australians.
One cannot be sure whether the
digital platform will serve the
indigenous people as desired.
Costs:
 Project
 Recurrent
 Savings/Revenue
The project will cost at least 47
million dollars in the
developmental stage. Recurrent
expenses will be resolved by the
facilities’ operating capital and
profits.
Like the previous option, this
one will consume almost 47
million dollars. As stated, it is a
multitier approach that involves
investment in educational
resources (materials and
facilities) and an online platform.
Time to implement It will take a minimum of five
years to create a facility (or two)
in each of Queensland’s remote
towns. Their sustainability will
depend on the organizational
leadership at any given point.
This too can be implemented
within 5 years. Note that the
educational resources are
bound to attract financial
support. The funds will be
essential in the maintenance of
the online platform.
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5 Recommendation/s
 Investment in an online portal for public awareness. This option is based on the fact that few
indigenous Queenslanders are familiar with diabetes treatment and other healthcare issues. The
patients will benefit from such a solution since the portals will include a network of consultants.
This project will take a maximum of two years to complete. The set-up costs might round up to 10
million. The recurrent costs will be met by the funds collected from philanthropists as it is a noble
course.
 Training and hiring natives. This approach will benefit not only the community but also
SimHealth. A diverse workforce will allow the organization to work towards the fulfilment of the
whole society’s needs. Success will be measured by an increase in the number of visits by
indigenous people. This process might take up to five years. The set-up and recurrent costs will be
dependent on the number of natives that will enrol in the program. For instance 1,000 individuals
will cost at least 1 million dollar per year: the recurrent expenses will be in the form of salaries
once they are hired.
6 Estimated Costs
Non-recurrent
(set up costs)
Recurrent
(ongoing running costs)
Estimated expenditure Labour Costs Non-labour Costs Capital Acquisitions
Labour Costs
N/A
Non-Labour Costs
10 million dollars (portal
development
Capital Acquisitions
Facilities: 10 million dollars
Labour Costs
Training: 13,360,000 dollars
(3,360 per trainee).
Web Portal Maintenance:
8,640,000 dollars
Training site Maintenance:
5,000,000
Estimated revenue / cost savings (if any) N/A N/A
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Estimated net cost to simHealth 20,000,000 dollars 27,000,000 dollars
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