Programs
Quality Assurance for Aboriginal Medical Services (QAAMS)
The QAAMS program uses Point of Care Testing (PoCT) technology to conduct pathology tests on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes.
The effects of diabetes are disproportionately common in some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and Indigenous Australians suffer the fourth highest prevalence of diabetes in the world. In recognition of the impact that diabetes has on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the Department of Health and Ageing has been funding the QAAMS program since 1999.
PoCT is pathology investigation by or on behalf of the treating medical practitioner in their surgery at the time of consultation allowing results to be used to make immediate, informed decisions about patient care. In the case of QAAMS, PoCT investigations are generally performed by trained and certified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers who provide information and education about diabetes at the same time.
Two tests are performed for patients in the QAAMS Program:
- Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) – quantitation in blood of HbA1c; and
- Microalbumin – quantitation as determined by urine albumin excretion on a timed overnight urine sample or urine albumin/creatinine ratio as determined on a first morning sample.
At 30 June 2006, 74 Aboriginal Medical Services (now more commonly referred to as Aboriginal and Community Controlled Health Organisations) in remote, rural and urban areas were participating in the QAAMS program. The program is being expanded to include up to 100 services by mid-2009.
The QAAMS program is administered on behalf of the Department by the Flinders University Rural Clinical School and the RCPA Quality Assurance Programs Pty Ltd.
For further information about the QAAMS program, contact the Director, Pathology Section, on (02) 6289 4038.
