More than 300 papers have been submitted to the Diversity in Health 2010 Conference, demonstrating a groundswell of interest in the wellbeing of migrants and refugees.
Submissions range from culturally appropriate assessment and diagnostic tools, to increasing access to mental health and counselling services, to policy development and health promotion.
Demos Krouskos, Chair of Diversity in Health 2010, said: "It's incredibly heartening to see that so many workplaces and practitioners place a high value on cultural competence. We have received papers from major hospitals, government departments, mental health services, universities and community agencies.
"On one hand, we have papers highlighting urgent and unmet needs: improving interpreter usage, providing patient-centred care that respects cultural differences, preparing for an ageing ethnic population, or reducing the impacts of diabetes and hepatitis.
"On the other hand, we have outstanding examples of how these needs are being met. We have papers highlighting clinically tested assessment tools, innovative service models and case studies, and partnerships between health providers and community services that provide holistic care."
All papers will be evaluated by a committee of industry experts, and authors will be notified in March prior to a full program being released.
Diversity in Health is Australia's premier multicultural health conference, drawing over 800 practitioners and policy-makers. This year's conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 7-9 June 2010.
Key themes include cultural integrity in patient care and service delivery, the right to health and modern multiculturalism, with specialist sessions on aged care, mental health, health literacy, family violence, sexual health and other critical issues.
Click here to register at early bird rates.
Media contact: Zayne D'Crus on (03) 9342 9709 or zayned@ceh.org.au