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Journal article
Connections Reduce Rheumatic Heart Disease-Related Mortality in Western Australia: A Mixed Methods Study
The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.33(2), e70022
2025
PMID: 40062424
Abstract
Introduction: Preventable rheumatic heart disease (RHD) deaths continue to occur in Australia, with Aboriginal people disproportionately affected. Despite research into structural drivers and the lived experience of people with RHD, and national guidelines focusing on RHD prevention and treatment, recent coronial inquests have highlighted that systemic failures are ongoing. Few studies describe RHD service delivery and/or mortality within the Western Australian (WA) context. Objective: This study aimed to integrate quantitative information regarding RHD-related deaths in WA between 2012 and 2021 with qualitative interview data to identify system-level opportunities for the prevention of RHD-related mortality in the WA health care setting. Design: Using quantitative data from the WA RHD register, a descriptive analysis of the clinical and demographic characteristics of RHD patients aged < 65 years was conducted, stratified by vital status. Thematic qualitative analysis of RHD stakeholder interviews was conducted in parallel, capturing systemic factors perceived to prevent or contribute to RHD-related mortality in WA. Findings: Limited health service contacts were documented for the 60 registered-recorded deaths among people with RHD. Interviewees emphasised that access to appropriate care was vital to prevent mortality. Passionate healthcare providers connect patients with care by fostering trusting relationships, but logistical, socio-cultural and care quality barriers continue to hamper connections. Conclusion: Systemic change is needed in WA to support motivated providers and ensure that efforts to reduce RHD mortality do not rely on individual initiatives. This study contributes evidence for the need to improve RHD program design by prioritising patient-provider connections, empowering, and resourcing providers to effectively engage with RHD patients.
Details
- Title
- Connections Reduce Rheumatic Heart Disease-Related Mortality in Western Australia: A Mixed Methods Study
- Authors/Creators
- Virginia DeCourcy - WA Country Health ServiceDaniel Hunt - Ngaanyatjarra Health ServiceIngrid Stacey - The University of Western AustraliaEmma Haynes - The University of Western AustraliaBeverley Paterson - Australian National UniversityClare Huppatz - Government of Western AustraliaMarisa Gilles - WA Country Health ServiceJudith Katzenellenbogen - The University of Western Australia
- Publication Details
- The Australian journal of rural health, Vol.33(2), e70022
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Grant note
- University of Western Australia (http://data.elsevier.com/vocabulary/SciValFunders/501100001801) Australian University Librarians WA Country Health Service
- Identifiers
- 991005884938707891
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s).
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Ngangk Yira Institute for Change
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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