How to build health care Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men would actually use

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men face significant health disparities compared to non-Indigenous men, with a life expectancy eight years shorter and higher rates of potentially avoidable deaths. Limited access to culturally appropriate care, language barriers, racism, and discrimination contribute to these disparities. However, the evidence shows that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men access care that is accessible, relevant, and delivered in a culturally safe environment, they engage more readily in their health.

Barriers to care include long waiting times, difficulty getting appointments, lack of male health professionals, concerns about confidentiality, negative past experiences, shame, and culturally inappropriate settings. Community Controlled Health Organisations and targeted programs have demonstrated success in reducing barriers and improving health outcomes through community control, trusted relationships, cultural safety, flexibility, and continuity of care.

Practical changes that all clinics can implement to better engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men include seeking input from local Indigenous men, employing Indigenous and male health workers, providing cultural safety training, reviewing the waiting room and appointment system, offering longer or more flexible appointments, building relationships with local Indigenous organisations, providing easy access to annual health checks, and setting up outreach clinics.

Governments can support these efforts by extending funding for Aboriginal men's health programs, properly funding male health workforce positions, strengthening community control in decision-making, and conducting evaluations that measure health outcomes, engagement, and learning rather than just counting activities.