Mr Michael Turner, Ms Courtney Hammond1, Mr Matthew Kemsley1, Ms Saraid Martin1, A/Prof Kim Morey1
1SAHMRI, Adelaide, Australia
Biography:
Both presenters identify as Aboriginal.
Courtney Hammond is an Eastern Arrernte and Tanganekald woman with ties to Country in the lower Southeast of South Australia and Central Australia. She is the Community Engagement and Education Officer for the Walk Strong, Walk Tall team within Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity, SAHMRI. She holds a Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences, majoring in Medical Science and a Master of Public Health from The University of Adelaide.
Abstract:
The Enhancing amputation care for Aboriginal people in South Australia report recommended the development of culturally appropriate amputation resources, as there were no suitable resources available in South Australia.
A co-design, Aboriginal lived experience led resource development project has created culturally informed decision-making resources to support informed choices along a person’s amputation journey. Aboriginal knowledge and experience were privileged throughout, with expertise sought from clinicians caring for those experiencing amputation, and communication, design and production experts. Throughout the project, staff utilised reflective practice to capture progress. The resources will be used across South Australia, central Australia and western NSW and will be freely available to clinicians, service providers and community.
Results:
A lived-experience, culturally safe workshop was convened with 10 community members who shared their stories, and articulated priorities for where additional resources would have aided their amputation journey.
Subsequently, a clinician workshop was held, with 25 multidisciplinary clinicians to confirm the evidence base aligning with the most pressing priorities identified by the lived-experience group. A communication company analysed the data and produced a communication and dissemination strategy. Film and other resources produced will be available to be shared and viewed at the conference.
Conclusions:
The amputation journey is difficult, complex, and distressing for Aboriginal people in South Australia. This project addresses one aspect of amputation care that has been shown to be deficient by delivering co-designed, culturally informed decision-making resources.