Macro Document Responses, Needs Analysis Research, and Position Papers

Macro regularly produces responses to published reports that are designed to clarify how our education and training aligns with the goals of government and peak body strategies. Excerpts are provided below. Full copies are available by email request connect@macroconsult.com.au

Review of Auslan interpreting service use in primary care

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care 2024.  

The Australian Government committed $0.6 million in 2022–23 to conduct a review of Auslan interpreting services in primary care settings (the Auslan report). Australian Healthcare Associates did the review between January and December 2023.

The Deaf community has highlighted “systemic failures” in how communication supports are provided, including Auslan interpreters, in many healthcare settings. 

Macro Impact Consulting was part of the stakeholder consultation for this report and we are proud to be listed as a resource for primary care training.

1. AHA Identified Problem: Lack of Awareness and Access to Resources

Many providers feel unprepared due to a lack of resources and training. They simply don't know where to turn for guidance on working with Auslan users.

Macro Response

Macro Impact Consulting creates and delivers comprehensive, up-to-date resources. The learning modules are designed to improve knowledge and skills gaps in existing workforces in primary health by providing healthcare teams with actionable, practical knowledge. Macro also operates as a trusted partner, connecting organizations with other essential providers to build a complete network of support.

2. AHA Identified Problem: Limited Experience and Cultural Understanding

Incorrect assumptions and a lack of understanding about Deaf culture can lead to inappropriate care and ineffective patient relationships. This leads to mistakes and poor outcomes for patients.

Macro Response

The Macro training goes beyond "Deaf Awareness." It provides an immersive, bi-cultural learning experience led by both Deaf and hearing presenters. This approach helps medical teams develop genuine cultural competency, dismantle misconceptions, and build the empathy needed to provide respectful and appropriate care and reduce the risks of incorrect assumptions.

3. AHA Identified Problem: Inconsistent Communication Support Procedures

Without clear, standardized procedures, arranging interpreter access is often chaotic and stressful, leading to confusion and costly errors.

Macro Response

Our modules equip your practice with the knowledge to build a robust and reliable communication support system. By teaching the theory and practice of communication adjustments, we empower your team to create standardized, stress-free procedures for identifying and meeting the communication needs of every patient.

4. AHA Identified Problem: Gaps in Interpreter Use and Role Understanding

Even with an interpreter present, a lack of understanding of their role can lead to reduced consultation quality, wasted time, and a breakdown in rapport with the patient.

Macro Response

We provide targeted training that clarifies the professional role of an interpreter. Our modules teach your staff how to effectively use an interpreter, emphasizing the critical skill of speaking directly to the patient, not the interpreter. This ensures that every consultation is efficient, respectful, and productive, leading to stronger patient-provider rapport and superior care outcomes.

Deaf Australia Desktop Review

Understanding the access and inclusion experiences of deaf, deafblind and hard-of-hearing people who use Auslan: a review of the Australian research literature

McRae, R., Zorbas, C., O’Shea, A., Adam, R., & Backholer, K. (2025). The association between early life access to communication and perceived mental health in a cross-sectional study of deaf Australian adults. Critical Public Health, 35(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/09581596.2025.2497352

The association between early life access to communication and perceived mental health in a cross-sectional study of deaf Australian adults

Results

Survey data from 340 participants were analysed. The survey was open to all deaf Australians over the age of 18 years who became deaf before the age of 5 years. The majority (>85%) of participants were sign language users. Fully adjusted models indicated that deaf participants who attended mainstream primary schools without deaf facilities had significantly higher odds of suicidal ideation compared to those who attended a deaf school (OR for mainstream primary school without a deaf facility: 5.08, 95% CI:2.04–12.67). Similarly, suicidal ideation was greater for those who attended a mainstream school with a deaf facility compared to a deaf school (OR for mainstream primary school with a deaf facility 4.03, 95% CI: 1.39–11.65). Not feeling included in family conversations was also associated with higher odds of anxiety (OR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.06–5.62) and general mental health outcomes (OR 2.76, 95% CI: 1.47–5.18).

Conclusions

These findings highlight the need for improved early communication access and inclusive practices in both educational and familial settings and greater access to deaf spaces to support mental well-being in deaf individuals. Future research should explore causal mechanisms to inform targeted interventions for sign language users and whether the results differ if more people who use spoken language to communicate were participants.