Real Ways of Working Together: co‐creating meaningful Aboriginal community consultations to advance kidney care. (7th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bateman, Samantha; Arnold‐Chamney, Melissa; Jesudason, Shilpanjali; Lester, Rhanee; McDonald, Stephen; O'Donnell, Kim; Owen, Kelli; Pearson, Odette; Sinclair, Nari; Stevenson, Tahlee; Williamson, Inawinytji; Kelly, Janet
• Is Part Of: Australian and New Zealand journal of public health. Volume 46:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 614
• Page End: 621
• Publication Date: 2022-07-07
• Subjects: Chronic kidney disease -- community engagement -- co‐creation -- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health; Public health -- Australia -- Periodicals; Public health -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Australia -- Periodicals; Medical care -- New Zealand -- Periodicals; 362.10993
• DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13280
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1326-0200

Abstract

Abstract: Objective : To describe a process of meaningful Aboriginal community engagement that repositioned and valued community members' knowledge(s) and lived experiences while strengthening relationships, research processes and outcomes. Background : Aboriginal Australians have the oldest continuous culture in the world, yet due to effects of colonisation, experience some of the world's poorest health outcomes. The AKction [Aboriginal Kidney Care Together – Improving Outcomes Now] project brought together Aboriginal people with lived experience of kidney disease, clinicians and researchers to improve kidney care. Methodology : Using Aboriginal methodologies of Ganma and Dadirri within community‐based participatory action research (cb‐PAR), a core advisory group of Aboriginal people with lived experiences of kidney disease worked closely with clinicians and researchers. Results : Three community consultation workshops that deeply valued Aboriginal knowledge(s) were co‐created. Community members formed a reference group, established partnerships and influenced health research, policy and service provision. Non‐Indigenous researchers engaged in critical self‐reflection and levelling of Western‐Aboriginal and clinician‐consumer power imbalances. Conclusions : Deeply respectful community engagement is possible through co‐creation and cb‐PAR. It results in multiple positive impacts and beneficial relationships between community members, clinicians and academics. Implications for public health : Meaningful consultation with Aboriginal communities guides culturally safe research processes, health policy and service delivery.