Access and attitudes to health care of Torres Strait Islanders living in mainland Australia

Ninety-two mainland Torres Strait Islanders, across five communities on mainland Australia, were consulted in relation to their access to health service providers. Similar numbers were interviewed in different-sized locations encompassing urban, rural, and remote areas. This exploratory study was the first to consider the health access issues of mainland Torres Strait Islanders. Overall, community controlled health services were the most commonly used exclusive health service providers, followed by private medical services and hospital outpatient services. The two most common reasons for the choice of health service provider in each community were convenience of access and the quality of relationship and trust with the medical staff. In general, the Torres Strait Islanders interviewed stated they are not comfortable seeking medical treatment, and delay accessing any health services. There was a high level of satisfaction in all communities with private medical services. Concerns were raised regarding long waiting periods at community controlled health services and hospital outpatient services, along with lack of confidentiality at community controlled health services. People wanted to see Torres Strait Islander staff at community controlled health services and hospital outpatient services to help facilitate greater access.