Understanding Closing the Gap strategies from the perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their primary healthcare providers: a systematic review protocol

Abstract

REVIEW OBJECTIVE(S)/QUESTION(S) The objective of this systematic literature review is to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their primary healthcare providers’ experiences of Closing the Gap strategies which have been implemented by primary healthcare services in Australia from 2008. In order to achieve this objective the following questions will be addressed. 1. What are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences of Closing the Gap strategies that have been implemented by primary healthcare services? 2. What are primary healthcare providers’ experiences of Closing the Gap strategies that have been implemented by primary healthcare services? INCLUSION CRITERIA Types of participants Participants for question 1: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in Australia who have sought or accessed primary health care services since 2008. There is no age limit. The authors also acknowledge the heterogeneity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations and therefore, will attempt to consider the experiences of a number of different types of communities, including regional (urban, rural, and remote) and language groups wherever possible. Participants for question 2: Primary healthcare providers, including clinicians, managers and administrators, who have provided care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities since 2008. Phenomena and intervention of interest The phenomena of interest for questions one is Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ experiences of Closing the Gap strategies which have been implemented in primary healthcare settings. The phenomena of interest for question two is primary healthcare providers’ experiences of Closing the Gap strategies which have been implemented in primary healthcare settings. Context The context is the primary healthcare services provided for Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.