Emma Webster1, Craig Johnson2, Bernie Kemp3, Valerie Smith3, Monica Johnson4, Billie Townsend1. 1. School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, New South Wales. 2. Western NSW Local Health District, New South Wales. 3. Dubbo Regional Aboriginal Health Service, New South Wales. 4. Marathon Health, New South Wales.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To use grounded theory and participatory research methodology to explain how Aboriginal people learn to understand and manage type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Aboriginal people with diabetes were invited to participate in one of five focus groups (n=25, male=12, female=13). Focus groups and education sessions were conducted by Aboriginal members of the research team. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed, with coding and first level analysis undertaken by all members of the research team. RESULTS: Participants described colonisation and dislocation from Country and family members' experiences with diabetes as significant historical influences which, in conjunction with the model of care experienced and the type of interaction with health services, shaped how they came to understand and manage their diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Patient experience of a model of care alone is not what influences understanding and management of diabetes in Aboriginal people. Implications for Public Health: Health service improvements should focus on understanding past experiences of Aboriginal patients, improving interactions with health services and supporting holistic family centred models of care. Focusing on just the model of care in absence of other improvements is unlikely to deliver health benefits to Aboriginal people.
OBJECTIVE: To use grounded theory and participatory research methodology to explain how Aboriginal people learn to understand and manage type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Aboriginal people with diabetes were invited to participate in one of five focus groups (n=25, male=12, female=13). Focus groups and education sessions were conducted by Aboriginal members of the research team. Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed, with coding and first level analysis undertaken by all members of the research team. RESULTS:Participants described colonisation and dislocation from Country and family members' experiences with diabetes as significant historical influences which, in conjunction with the model of care experienced and the type of interaction with health services, shaped how they came to understand and manage their diabetes. CONCLUSIONS:Patient experience of a model of care alone is not what influences understanding and management of diabetes in Aboriginal people. Implications for Public Health: Health service improvements should focus on understanding past experiences of Aboriginal patients, improving interactions with health services and supporting holistic family centred models of care. Focusing on just the model of care in absence of other improvements is unlikely to deliver health benefits to Aboriginal people.
Authors: Carol Davy; Elaine Kite; Leda Sivak; Alex Brown; Timena Ahmat; Gary Brahim; Anna Dowling; Shaun Jacobson; Tania Kelly; Kaylene Kemp; Fiona Mitchell; Tina Newman; Margaret O'Brien; Jason Pitt; Kesha Roesch; Christine Saddler; Maida Stewart; Tiana Thomas Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-09-15 Impact factor: 2.655