AHA was engaged by the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) to evaluate the Secure Aboriginal Medical Services Information System (SAMSIS).

SAMSIS is a national on-line information system designed for the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) Affiliates. It supports OATSIH funded services (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations – ACCHOs) to improve their business information and reporting capacity. SAMSIS provides a range of tools and resources that support ACCHOs in their reporting requirements.

The objectives of the evaluation were to assess the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of the SAMSIS project and identify opportunities for arrangements regarding the future of SAMSIS.

Participants in the consultation included:

• Twenty six ACCHOs
• Representatives from all NACCHO Affiliates
• State Directors and managers of OATSIH and relevant staff

There was a strong emphasis on ensuring that all consultations were conducted in a culturally appropriate manner.