<em>“Some things are still raw for us to discuss, but it’s important that we are heard”</em> – Identifying health research priorities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a qualitative study — ASN Events
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  3. “Some things are still raw for us to discuss, but it’s important that we are heard” – Identifying health research priorities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a qualitative study

“Some things are still raw for us to discuss, but it’s important that we are heard” – Identifying health research priorities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities: a qualitative study (#28)

Luciana F Massi 1 2 , Davina Smith 1 2 , Loretta Weatherall 1 2 , Maree Toombs 3 , Bronwyn Fredericks 4 , Kym M Rae 1 2
  1. Indigenous Health Research Group, Mater Research Institute, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  2. Faculty of Medicine , University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
  3. Medicine and Health , University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
  4. Indigenous Engagement, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia

Background

Co-designed and collaborative research processes encompass engagement and relationship-building with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (herein respectfully Indigenous) communities and health services. 

Aim

The Indigenous Health Research Priorities study aimed to identify the health research priorities for young families during pregnancy, birthing, and early childhood with and for Indigenous communities in Queensland.

Methods

The project undertook a collaborative consultation process with communities in the following regions - Far North, North and Central Queensland, and Darling Downs. Yarning sessions with health services’ clients and staff identified health research priorities with and for local Indigenous families. Thematic analysis was undertaken with support from Indigenous researchers to ensure a cultural lens was applied to the data. Identified themes were returned to community who undertook a Delphi workshop to prioritise these to the top 10 health research themes for their community. The Delphi workshops reached consensus through ranking the importance of the identified themes using a ‘playing card’ approach and group discussions. Feedback forms gauged engagement and satisfaction with the research process.

Results

A total of 392 participants from >10 regions of the state took part in numerous yarning sessions and Delphi workshops. The top priorities identified across all regions include Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health, Early Intervention and Children’s Health and Development, and the Social Determinants of Health. Feedback from yarning sessions and Delphi workshops have highlighted participants’ valued sharing stories, being heard, talking about difficult topics, having a voice, and feeling hopeful.

Discussion

Identifying health research priorities will allow each organisation and region of Queensland to develop research initiatives, health programs and services that are a focus for their community members. Developing research priorities could support co-designed research initiatives and help to ensure future research directions meet the needs self-determined by Indigenous communities.

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