First Nations people experience significant health disparities, including high rates of chronic physical and mental health conditions, due to historical and ongoing socioeconomic challenges. This paper explores the intersection of physical and mental health among First Nations people, focusing on chronic disease management and social and emotional wellbeing. It evaluates health programs, health policies and digital health initiatives which aim to improve health outcomes; what works, what doesn’t work and drivers for change. 

Few government policies explicitly address the mental health of First Nations people with chronic physical health conditions or the physical health of those with mental health conditions. Many First Nations people have more than one chronic condition. This increases the complexity of care and therefore the frequency, duration and cost of medical appointments and treatment.

The findings show the importance of cultural connection, person-centred care and multidisciplinary approaches in managing multimorbidity. Challenges include limited service access, institutional barriers and the need for long-term commitments to reduce health disparities. Successful models, such as mobile dialysis services and community-controlled health organisations, highlight the critical role of family, community and cultural ties in improving social and emotional wellbeing among First Nations people.

Key recommendations

• Review policy to ensure that the mental health of people with chronic disease and the physical health of people with mental health conditions are more explicitly addressed.
• Implement a capacity building program to fill current service gaps to provide culturally appropriate, person-centred care, provided by Aboriginal community controlled health organisations.
• Support First Nations people in maintaining connections with family, community and Country while receiving treatment for chronic physical health conditions.
• Improve the cultural safety of mainstream health services in all areas through training and by increasing the First Nations health workforce.
• Continue funding reforms to support outcome-focused and multidisciplinary care and to address the challenges faced by First Nations people in accessing health care, as outlined in the Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022–2032.
• Reduce service gaps by employing and upskilling local staff before turning to outreach models.
• Facilitate shared-care arrangements in areas where in-person access to specialists is limited.