Leadership enhancing culturally safe models of care in a Western Australian Aboriginal community context: A qualitative investigation

Abstract

BackgroundModels 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. AimThe 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. MethodsParticipatory 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. FindingsThe 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. DiscussionCommunity-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. ConclusionReflections 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.