Centre for Health Services Research

DIFFERENCE

Funding source: 
Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) National Critical Research Infrastructure scheme

The Digital Infrastructure For improving First Nations Maternal and Child Health (DIFFERENCE) project is an innovative initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide and enhancing health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies. This Australian-first project, led by First Nations community leaders in collaboration with University of Queensland researchers, focuses on developing a digital system that integrates primary and secondary healthcare information.

By leveraging advanced technology, the project supports the creation and implementation of First Nations-led care models in clinical practice. A key component of this initiative is the development of the necessary digital infrastructure to support the Birthing in Our Community (BiOC) program, which was first introduced in urban Brisbane in 2013.

The DIFFERENCE project will not only build this infrastructure but also demonstrate and evaluate the impact of a standardized, harmonized First Nations health record, ensuring that culturally appropriate care models are effectively integrated into healthcare systems.

Partners

The DIFFERENCE project is built on strong partnerships in digital health research and clinical applications.

  • The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Network
  • Mater Health
  • University of Queensland (UQ)
  • Poche Centre for Indigenous Health (UQ)
  • The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF)
  • Queensland University of Technology.

In the media: Digital Infrastructure For improving First Nations Maternal and Child Health (DIFFERENCE) project