Developing and implementing a state-wide Aboriginal health promotion program: the process and factors influencing successful delivery

Issue addressed The prevalence of smoking among the adult Aboriginal population is almost double that of the non‐Aboriginal population. Research shows smoking cessation brief interventions have a positive impact on quit attempts. However, examples of statewide, Aboriginal‐led initiatives that ensure health service delivery of brief intervention to all Aboriginal clients are limited. Methods Guidance from an Aboriginal chief investigator and key health stakeholders supported the development of the NSW SmokeCheck Program. One component of the program was the establishment of a state‐wide network of Aboriginal Health Workers (AHWs) and other health professional participants. Another was a culturally specific training program to strengthen the knowledge, skills, and confidence of participants to provide an evidence‐based brief smoking‐cessation intervention to Aboriginal clients. The brief intervention was based on the transtheoretical model of behaviour change, adapted for use in Aboriginal communities. Results SmokeCheck training reached 35.5% of the total NSW AHW workforce over a 15‐month period. More than 90% of participants surveyed indicated satisfaction with the curriculum content, workshop structure and training delivery, agreeing that they found it relevant, easy to understand and applicable to practice. Conclusions An evidence‐based approach to designing and delivering an Aboriginal‐specific health promotion intervention appears to have facilitated the development of a state‐wide network of Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal health professionals and strengthened their capacity to deliver a brief smoking cessation intervention with Aboriginal clients. So what? Integrating smoking cessation brief interventions into routine health care is necessary to reduce the prevalence of smoking in Aboriginal communities.