Aims:

The project’s key research questions are:

  • What would a patient-led component of the cultural awareness program for renal clinicians comprise, and;
  • How could it be feasible and sustainable?
Objectives: 
  • To work collaboratively to develop the Central Australian Renal Voice (CARV) consumer group’s vision for a patient-led component of cultural awareness training for renal clinicians.
  • To engage key stakeholders to explore and strengthen the feasibility of a patient-led component of cultural awareness training for renal clinicians.
Summary:

This project emerged from a desire expressed by the Central Australian Renal Voice (CARV) – a renal consumer advocacy group based in Alice Springs – to work with renal clinicians to increase cultural awareness and to develop better relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. The project was developed in partnership with CARV, Menzies School of Health Research, Western Desert Nganampa Walytja Palyantjaku Tjutaku (WDNWPT), Fresenius Medical and Central Australia Health Service (CAHS).

The project aimed to explore and identify what a patient-led component of cultural awareness training would offer, what it would comprise, what it would require and how it could be realised. The project adopted a participatory action research design whereby dialysis patients and renal clinicians are co-researchers working together with the research facilitators through iterative action and learning cycles. The project will also engage key CAHS stakeholders to share information emerging from the project and request feedback to inform the project.

Implications for policy and practice:

Given the expressed interest of the CARV members, this project has the potential to contribute to strengthening CAHS cultural awareness training and build stronger relationships between patients and clinicians.

Chief investigator:
Project manager:
  • Georgia Robinson
Contact information:
Project dates:
  • September 2015 - May 2017
Final Report: