The Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program improves health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with chronic health conditions through access to care coordination, multidisciplinary care and self-management support. It improves access to culturally appropriate, mainstream primary care services, including general practice, allied health and specialists.
Drew* was recently diagnosed with late-stage lung cancer and had moved in with his granddaughter for support. He was referred to Western Sydney Integrated Team Care (ITC) to help him purchase nutritional supplements to help keep him strong; however, after an initial home visit, the ITC team realised there was much more they could do to support him.
With Drew’s permission, the ITC team spoke with his oncologist, dietician and occupational therapist to determine what resources and services he would need as his cancer progressed. As a result, ITC secured Drew a shower chair, hospital bed, bath board and pressure cushion to make him more comfortable at home. Speaking with the dietician, they identified that the original script for nutrition was inappropriate and purchased supplements better suited to his needs. To ensure that Drew received consistent care, ITC coordinated with Mount Druitt Community Health for Community Nurses to set up home visits to monitor his condition.
Recently, Drew’s condition deteriorated, and he was taken to hospital, where he became quite distressed. The ITC team worked closely with the hospital’s local Aboriginal Liaison Officer to make sure that Drew felt supported and that he and his family were provided with culturally appropriate care. ITC continues to check in on Drew and is committed to being there for him every step of his journey.
*Name has been changed to protect the identity of this client
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