ATSI Service Development Project

Description
Participatory Action Research to develop and evaluate different models of rehabilitation service delivery to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People with ABI

Rationale
The incidence of ABI in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People is significantly higher than in non-Aboriginal people yet their use of relevant health and rehabilitation services is significantly lower.

Access issues in rehabilitation may relate to the inappropriateness and cultural insensitivity of existing rehabilitation service delivery models.

Appropriate service delivery models in rehabilitation will only be developed with the involvement and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in the service development process

Participants 
People with ABI, family members, service providers and community members in two separate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities

Key Features
Adoption of a Participatory Action Research approach to service development 

Identifying perceptions of brain injury and caring, current and needed supports at an individual, family and community level.

Community involved in determining nature of service development and evaluation.
Sharing of service development and research with the community and ownership of service by the people

Funding
Initially funded with the support of the Community Rehabilitation Research Scheme as part of the Community Rehabilitation Workforce Project (Pathways Home). Subsequently funded by the HP Research Scheme.

Research / Evalutation Strategies
Participatory Action Research process characterised by collaboration, participation and reflection occurring through multiple cycles of PLANNING, ACTING and REVIEW.

Methodology determined which communities participated, who within the community participated
and how the project has proceeded.

Consistent with PAR approach, a range of data collection techniques were used including individual or group interviews, storytelling, focus groups, video, and community meetings.

Outputs and Outcomes
Development of appropriate service model
Preparation and submission of business case proposal for implementation of model in partnership with Apunipima Cape York Health Council

Publications
Gauld, S., Smith, S., & Kendall, M. (2011). Using participatory action research in community based rehabilitation for people with acquired brain injury: from service provision to partnership with Aboriginal communities. Disability and Rehabilitation, 33(19-20), 1901-1911.



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Last updated: 24 April 2021