A project underway is shedding light on the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receiving care for a life-limiting illness and during their final year of life.
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The project team from Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, says carer stories are a valuable resource that can help shape and improve palliative care and other health services.
Wiradjuri man and NBMLHD healthcare worker, Clarke Scott, said the team recognises sad news and sorry business is not a topic that's easily discussed.
"We really need the help of the Aboriginal community to tell us what has worked and what hasn't worked so we can provide the services the Aboriginal community needs," Mr Scott said.
"Thank you to the people bravely sharing their personal stories with us, by joining the study you'll be helping the rest of your mob in their time of need."
People participating in the study are interviewed via telephone or video call to help build a picture of how services are currently delivered.
All the information collected is strictly confidential and de-identified. So, no one reading the report will know who has been interviewed.
"Aboriginal health professionals, who are well-known in the local community, are on the project team. They can support people in the study in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way," Mr Scott said.
The project is a partnership with local Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, the Sydney Region Aboriginal Corporation and Marrin Weejali Aboriginal Corporation.
People who have personal experience, either currently or in the past five years, are invited to contact the project team to arrange a phone or video call interview.
For those preferring face-to-face interviews, the researchers can schedule a session when social distance restrictions due to COVID-19 are relaxed.
The team will work with people to make the interview experience as comfortable as possible by talking to people individually or in small family groups.
If you are interested please contact Glenda McDonald on 0431 702 991 or g.e.mcdonald@westernsydney.edu.au, or Veronica Lloyd, Senior Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Worker in the Nepean Supportive and Palliative Care Service on 0456 974 417 or at Veronica.Lloyd@health.nsw.gov.au.
The research is a collaboration with Western Sydney University and has been approved by the NBMLHD Human Research and Ethics Committee.
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Ciara Bastow
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Hi! I'm Ciara and I've been working as a journalist for a number of years now, covering everything ranging from council, human interest stories, community news and sport. Got a story? Email me at ciara.bastow@austcommunitymedia.com.au
