Newsletter for the Central Sydney GP Network Ltd.

CSGPN was funded by the Australian General Practice Network to test the Lifescripts resources, translated in 4 languages: Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek and Arabic. The Lifescripts resources, produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing (DoHA), were developed with the hope that it enables GPs to manage lifestyle-related risk factors in a structured way using evidence-based approach.

The Lifescripts CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) resources pilot project ran between February and May 2011. In total, 10 GPs, 3 practice nurses and 1 exercise physiologist took part in this project. Among those who participated were 7 Chinese, 4 Greek, 1 Arabic and 2 Vietnamese speaking health professionals.

Those who participated in this project showed keen interest in using translated resources in their practice and were very appreciative of the fact that preventive health resources were offered in languages other than English. The vast majority of health professionals who participated rated the overall usefulness of the Lifescript resources as either above average or excellent. Likewise, all health professionals found the Lifescripts to be either well or very well received by their patients. Positive feedback from patients is a key factor that determines the uptake of a health resources or initiatives by a health professional, especially GPs. 

Feedback from few of the GPs who participated in the project:

“Translated lifescripts are useful in any person’s language. Saves time for staff, spending with patients having to explain Pts. Can read/understand better before filling out questions” – Greek GP.

“Lifescripts are a fantastic educational resource for patients from a NESB. They have been well accepted by a few of my patients so far. It is Informative (information relevant to general practice), easy accessible, readily available (tear off pad) and uses simple translation which is easy to understand (i.e. no medical jargon)” – Vietnamese GP

“Lifescript is not only an assessment tool but also direct discussion that provides information and allows for goal setting and follows up” – Arabic GP

Lifescripts resources, in English, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Italian and Vietnamese, are available for free from DoHA. To know more about Lifescripts and/or order the resources, please visit:
http://www.health.gov.au/lifescripts

Lifescripts resources are also available as electronic templates for direct download in to practice software such as Medical Director and Best Practice.

Lifescripts resources have been developed specifically for use with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. The resources can be used by Aboriginal health workers, general practitioners and practice nurses within general practice or in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care settings.