Finding Your Way - A shared decision making resource developed by and for Aboriginal people in Australia: Perceived acceptability, usability, and feasibility

Tara Dimopoulos-Bick; David Follent; Catherine Kostovski; Val Middleton; Cory Paulson; Stewart Sutherland; Melissa Cawley; Marsha Files; Sue Follent; Regina Osten; Lyndal Trevena

doi:10.1016/j.pec.2023.107920

Finding Your Way - A shared decision making resource developed by and for Aboriginal people in Australia: Perceived acceptability, usability, and feasibility

Patient Educ Couns. 2023 Oct:115:107920. doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107920. Epub 2023 Jul 22.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW, Australia. Electronic address: tara.dimopoulosbick@health.nsw.gov.au.
² Agency for Clinical Innovation, NSW, Australia.
³ Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Eastern Section, NSW, Australia.
⁴ College of Health and Medicine, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
⁵ South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, NSW, Australia.
⁶ Katungul Aboriginal Corporation Regional Health and Community Services, NSW, Australia.
⁷ NSW, Australia.
⁸ School of Public Health, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.

PMID: 37531789
DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107920

Abstract

Background: Finding Your Way is a culturally adapted shared decision making (SDM) resource for Aboriginal (First Nations) people of Australia. It integrates the Eight Ways of Aboriginal Learning (8 Ways) and was created by Aboriginal health workers and community members in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Objective: To explore the perceived acceptability, usability, and feasibility of Finding Your Way as a SDM resource for Aboriginal people making health and wellbeing decisions.

Methods: The web-based resources were disseminated using social media, professional networks, publications, and the 'Koori grapevine'. Thirteen 'champions' also promoted the resources. An online questionnaire was available on the website for three months. Framework analysis determined early indications of its acceptability, usability, and feasibility. Web and social media analytics were also analysed. Partnership with and leadership by Aboriginal people was integrated at all phases of the project.

Results: The main landing page was accessed 5219 times by 4259 users. 132 users completed the questionnaire. The non-linear and visual aspects of the resources 'speak to mob' and identified with Aboriginal culture. The inclusion of social and emotional well-being, and the holistic approach were well received by the small number of users who opted to provide feedback. They suggested that non-digital formats and guidance on the resources are required to support use in clinical practice.

Conclusion: The 8 Ways enabled the development of a culturally safe SDM resource for Aboriginal people, which was well received by users who took the time to provide feedback after a brief dissemination process. Additional accessible formats, practice guides and training are required to support uptake in clinical practice.

Practice implications: Finding Your Way could be used to help improve experiences, health literacy, decision making quality and outcomes of healthcare for Aboriginal Australians.

Keywords: Aboriginal Health; Community Involvement; First Nations; Shared decision making.

MeSH terms

Australia
Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
Culturally Competent Care
Decision Making, Shared*
Feasibility Studies
Health Services, Indigenous*
Humans
Patient Acceptance of Health Care
Social Determinants of Health