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Review
. 2022 Dec;30(6):816-822.
doi: 10.1111/ajr.12918. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Co-design with aboriginal and torres strait islander communities: A journey

Nathaniel Tamwoy  1 , Sylvia Rosas  2 , Scott Davis  3 , Annie Farthing  4 , Caitlin Houghton  2 , Hannah Johnston  5 , Catherine Maloney  2 , Nicole Samulkiewicz  2 , Jack Seaton  6 , Gemma Tuxworth  2 , Melodie Bat  2
Affiliations
Review

Co-design with aboriginal and torres strait islander communities: A journey

Nathaniel Tamwoy et al. Aust J Rural Health. 2022 Dec.

Abstract

Aim: This paper explores the principles of co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by reflecting on the literature, learning from experiences of allied health professionals, and considering how co-design can be applied in rural and remote allied health practice.

Context: This paper has been authored by a working group from Services for Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH). SARRAH is a member-based allied health organisation, working to improve health outcomes for rural and remote Australians. SARRAH has been representing and supporting allied health professionals in rural and remote Australia for over 20 years, with a member base that includes students, practitioners, programme managers, policy makers and academics. As a non-Indigenous organisation, SARRAH works in partnership and receives guidance from the peak organisation, Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA).

Approach: Over a period of 3 months, a group of eleven SARRAH members and staff came together to review available literature, seek member perspectives and share their experiences and understandings of co-design. Working group discussions were grounded in the knowledge and experiences shared by two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander group members.

Conclusion: This paper proposes that successful co-design with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities places legitimate value on different knowledge systems, is built on strong and trusting relationships, promotes inclusive involvement and requires authentic partnerships. Using these principles, SARRAH will engage with members and stakeholders to influence meaningful change in allied health practice in rural and remote Australia.

Keywords: authentic partnerships; community-led; definition of health; rural and remote allied health; the third space.

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References

REFERENCES

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    1. Wright M, Brown A, Dudgeon P, McPhee R, Coffin J, Pearson G, et al. Our journey, our story: a study protocol for the evaluation of a co-design framework to improve services for Aboriginal youth mental health and well-being. BMJ Open. 2021;11(5):e042981.
    1. Campbell MA, Hunt J, Scrimgeour DJ, Davey M, Jones V. Contribution of aboriginal community-controlled health services to improving aboriginal health: an evidence review. Aust Health Rev. 2018;42(2):218-26.

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