Ms Lisa Callahan1, Doctor Amanda Machell1, Mr Patrick Sharpe2, Ms Samantha Harkus3, Prof Eng Ooi1,4, A/Prof Jacqueline Stephens1
1Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia, 2Far West Community Partnerships, Ceduna, Australia, 3Hearing Australia, Macquarie University, Australia, 4Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, Australia
Abstract:
Background:
The PATHWAY project for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hearing Health was created in response to national and community-identified priorities. The project aims to map patient journeys, stakeholder experiences, waiting times and out of pocket healthcare expenditure for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families accessing otitis media (OM) services across rural and remote areas in the far west of South Australia.
Objectives:
To describe the insights gained from yarning with health professionals working in the OM care pathway in the far west of South Australia and how these insights may inform changes to policy and practice in the region.
Methods:
Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers will work together at the Indigenous and Western Knowledge Interface throughout the research process. This study will use Indigenous research methods, including yarns and yarning circles, to engage with a diverse range of allied health, medical and nursing clinicians across a number of local and visiting health services involved in the OM care pathway. Transcripts of the yarns and yarning circles will be thematically analysed.
Results:
The outcomes of the thematic analysis will be discussed in light of existing literature and the regional context.
Conclusion:
This research will describe the experiences and insights gained from yarning health professionals working in the OM care pathway across the far west of South Australia. De-identified study outcomes will be made available to Aboriginal health and community organisations across the far west of South Australia, to inform quality improvement activities and advocate for essential OM services and resources.