Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community governance of health research: Turning principles into practice. (31st March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gwynn, Josephine; Lock, Mark; Turner, Nicole; Dennison, Ray; Coleman, Clare; Kelly, Brian; Wiggers, John
• Is Part Of: Australian journal of rural health. Volume 23:Number 4(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 235
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2015-03-31
• Subjects: Rural health -- Periodicals; Rural health -- Australia -- Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12182
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1038-5282

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Problem</title> <p>Gaps exist in researchers' understanding of the 'practice' of community governance in relation to research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>We examine Aboriginal community governance of two rural NSW research projects by applying principles‐based criteria from two independent sources.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Setting</title> <p>One research project possessed a strong Aboriginal community governance structure and evaluated a 2‐year healthy lifestyle program for children; the other was a 5‐year cohort study examining factors influencing the mental health and well‐being of participants.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Key Measures for improvement</title> <p>The National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia's 'Values and ethics: guidelines for ethical conduct in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander research' and 'Ten principles relevant to health research among Indigenous Australian populations' described by experts in the field.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Strategies for Change</title> <p>Adopt community‐based participatory research constructs. Develop clear governance structures and procedures at the beginning of the study and allow sufficient time for their establishment. Capacity‐building must be a key component of the research. Ensure sufficient resources to enable community engagement, conduct of research governance procedures, capacity‐building and results dissemination.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Effects of change</title> <p>The implementation of governance structures and procedures ensures research addresses the priorities of the participating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, minimises risks and improves outcomes for the communities.</p> </sec> <sec id="ajr12182-sec-0007" sec-type="section"> <title>Lessons Learnt</title> <p>Principles‐based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community governance of research is very achievable. Next steps include developing a comprehensive evidence base for appropriate governance structures and procedures, and consolidating a suite of practical guides for structuring clear governance in health research</p> </sec> </abstract>