An electronic publication from the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Issue 9, November 2000 - February 2001 : ISSN 1329-3362
Conference abstracts and papers
12th National Health Promotion Conference: Inequalities in health
- reflecting back, stepping forward.
29 October - 1 November 2000, Hotel Sofitel, Melbourne, Victoria.
Lisa Briggs
Well Person's Health
Check.
The Well Persons Health Check (WPHC) is a community based health check designed to provide early detection and treatment for a range of health issues. The program is conducted by a team of doctors, Health Workers, and nurses in consultation and collaboration with the local Aboriginal health centre and community.
In developing the WPHC for Victoria, the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) wanted to ensure that not only STDs and blood-borne viruses were addressed, but that other important health aspects for Aboriginal communities were incorporated. This holistic approach to health encouraged Aboriginal people to attend a health check which would include health issues such as lifestyle assessment, blood pressure, BMI measurement and diabetes/eye checks. Advice on issues relevant to each individual would also be provided eg. contraceptive advice, needle exchange program and sexually transmitted diseases.
The STD health checks involved a full check for sexually transmitted diseases using PCR technology developed by the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. The self-administered method for the detection of STDs (tampon test for women and first urine sample for men) uses a PCR based technology. The WPHC also includes a risk assessment for HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. A blood test and/or pap smear is also available to those participants who request them. Through this process of the WPHC, VACCHO also collects statistical data on all aspects of the WPHC and the database is managed and maintained by VACCHO.
