The Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet is an internet resource that collects, collates and interprets evidence-derived knowledge on Australian Indigenous health. It then makes this knowledge readily accessible via the internet to inform policy, practice, research, teaching and general community understanding. Its purpose in doing this is to contribute to improving the health of Indigenous Australians.
Contents
The work of the HealthInfoNet is succinctly described by Professor Conigrave "It draws together a wide range of information and resources in relation to Indigenous health in Australia into an easily accessible format. It is a field that’s otherwise challenging to find information in, as so much is in the grey literature rather than in refereed journals."
History
The HealthInfoNet was established in September 1997 as the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Clearinghouse. It developed into a more comprehensive web-based resource for knowledge about Indigenous health and was renamed the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet in 2000 to reflect this broader purpose” Dr Wooldridge, the then Federal Health Minister, said at the launch of the renamed HealthInfoNet “In a truly innovative way, even by international standards, the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet uses the Internet to enable people from all around Australia and overseas to share readily ideas on what health interventions work, find out where resources are available and discuss how best practice health care can be provided.”
Funding
Core funding for the HealthInfoNet is provided by the Australian Department of Health through Edith Cowan University.
Target audience
The HealthInfoNet defines its target audience broadly as all people working, studying or interested in Australian Indigenous health.
Two groups of the Australian Indigenous health workforce are particularly catered for in the sections Indigenous Health Workers and Indigenous environmental health practitioners. There are also sections for many other workforce groups including SEWB and AOD workers. There are also over 15 online yarning places to keep workers connected.
Governance
HealthInfoNet is part of Edith Cowan University in Western Australia. Its work is guided by a national Advisory Board of 11 members who are prominent in the field of Australian Indigenous health. The HealthInfoNet also has a number of topic specific reference groups who meet regularly and a national network of honorary consultants who have expertise in various areas of Indigenous health.
The resource
The resource provides comprehensive, up-to-date, evidence-derived information about Australian Indigenous health. The website has a number of component parts including:
The HealthInfoNet also supports a number of yarning places (online networks also known as 'communities of practice') that enable people interested in Australian Indigenous health to share information, knowledge and experience about specific health topics.