Application of population
health theory into practice.
The NSW Aboriginal Population Health
Training Initiative (APHTI)
CAPHIA Conference 2014
Alex Swain
NSW Ministry of Health
The APHTI aims to contribute to the
development of the Aboriginal population
health workforce, with the ultimate outcome to
improve the health of
Aboriginal people in NSW
APHTI
Employed for 3 years by Local Health District
• 6-12 month placements
Concurrent Master of Public Health study
• University of choice
Training opportunities
• Networking and learning
Competency based
• Portfolio assessment
“In time I anticipate
that the skills and
knowledge that I gain
from the APHTI will
see me directly have
a positive impact
on the health and
well-being of our
community.”
The program has
provided me with an
opportunity to build
my capacity by
undertaking a Masters
of Public Health, which
is highly valued and
recognised in the
industry, while being
exposed to practical
work-based
programs in a wide
range of professional
environments.
Delivery model
Ministry of
Health
Local
Health
Districts
NSW
Universities
APHTI
APHTI Advisory Committee
Universities
4 trainees
3 trainees
1 trainee
1 trainee
1 trainee
Example of competencies
Example of competencies
Performance criteria
Example of placements
Public Health Unit
Research and
Epidemiology
APHTI
trainee
Health Promotion
Aboriginal Health
Application of learning
Health Promotion
placement
Research, Evidence
Management and
Surveillance
“Quit for New Life”
project
Qualitative and
quantitative
assignment
Aboriginal Health Profile
for LHD
Epidemiology
assignment
Assessment process
Recognition of Prior Experience
(RPE)
Learning contracts for each
placement
Mid Program Review
Final assessment
Why the APHTI is working
Supportive
environment
Training
“in place”
No out-ofpocket
expenses
Applied
learning
Networking
Cultural
safety
Trainees
Alex Swain
NSW Ministry of Health
(02) 9424 5771
aswai@doh.health.nsw.gov.au
http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/tr
aining/aphti/pages/default.aspx