Abstract
Background
Models of care for community health nursing need to address social determinants of
health for families, requiring community health nurse leaders to encourage all nurses
to facilitate culturally safe models of care, particularly for vulnerable and underserved
populations. Many challenges impact on provision of support for a range of population
groups, with increasing attention focusing on how community health nurses lead equitable
health activities for Aboriginal Australian families.
Aim
The aims of this study were to investigate the suitability, feasibility and acceptability
of parent support, informing a culturally safe model for a peer-led support program
for Aboriginal families.
Methods
Participatory action research enabled Aboriginal peer support workers and parents,
community agencies and a child health researcher to collaboratively review cultural
safety, suitability, and progress of the program. Qualitative data were analysed through
thematic analysis.
Findings
The Australian Health Practitioner Regulatory Agency's cultural safety framework guided
four themes: Acknowledgement of colonisation, racism, and social determinants of health;
recognition of influences of personal racism and power differentials; recognising
importance of partnership approaches to care and collaboration with individuals and
families to ensure appropriate and acceptable care; and promotion of safe working
environments.
Discussion
Community-based initiatives informed by Aboriginal perspectives are needed to support
Aboriginal families. Participatory action research enables community health nurse
leaders to engage with Aboriginal participants, facilitating co-design of culturally
safe models of care.
Conclusion
Reflections on culturally safe strategies enabled development of peer-led support
for Aboriginal families, focusing on self-determination, empowerment, and equity.
Acceptability of the strategies has contributed to an emerging culturally safe model
of care. Indigenous Australian peoples are people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres
Strait Islander. Respectfully, throughout this paper, they will be described as Aboriginal.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: July 06, 2022
Accepted:
June 20,
2022
Received in revised form:
May 28,
2022
Received:
February 28,
2021
Publication stage
In Press Corrected ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Australian College of Nursing Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
