Mrs Jane Burns1
1Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, Mt Lawley, Australia
The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet (HealthInfoNet) is recognised as an innovative and vital part of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health infrastructure. It collects, develops and shares up-to-date evidence about a variety of health conditions through its web-based resources (https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au). For those working in remote or isolated areas, it is particularly useful as it provides readily available, up-to-date, relevant information.
The HealthInfoNet contributes to improving the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by making knowledge readily accessible to inform the health workforce and support them in their decision-making.
This presentation will outline the collaborative knowledge exchange process that informs practice among health professionals who care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It will also demonstrate how the HealthInfoNet can help busy health professionals keep up-to-date with the latest information; this is particularly useful for those working in remote and isolated areas.
The HealthInfoNet’s undertaking of knowledge exchange involves the synthesis of knowledge from a wide variety of sources and disseminating information mainly via the Internet. This is supplemented by print publications, for example, The overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; knowledge exchange resources and by facilitating the exchange of information through yarning places, newsletters, Twitter accounts and webinars.
The HealthInfoNet website includes a variety of health topic sections, for example: chronic diseases and sections on alcohol and other drugs and nutrition. The resource includes information and links to: policies; programs; health promotion and practice resources; publications; organisations; jobs; courses; funding and events. By providing the information in one location, it can save health professionals time and inspire learning.
The HealthInfoNet has made a valuable, sustained and enduring contribution to support health professionals who work in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. This presentation will demonstrate the extent of the HealthInfoNet’s content.
Biography:
Jane Burns is a Research Team Leader with the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, based at Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Jane currently leads the chronic disease team at the HealthInfoNet. She is the Production Editor for the annual publication of The overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and also the Production Editor of the Australian Indigenous HealthBulletin.
Qualifications: Bachelor of Health Science, Graduate Diploma of Project Management