A Nursing Partnership for Better Outcomes in Aboriginal Mental Health, Including Substance Use
Charlotte de Crespigny
Adelaide University SA, Australia
Inge Kowanko
Leader, Flinders Aboriginal Health Research Unit; Senior Research Fellow, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park SA
Scott Wilson
Director, Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (SA) Inc, Kent Town SA
Helen Murray
Project Officer, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park SA
Jackie Ah Kit
Director, Port Lincoln Aboriginal Health Service, Port Lincoln SA
David Mills
General Practitioner, Eyre Division of General Practice of the Eyre Region, SA
PP: 275 - 287
Abstract
This article draws on our participatory action research findings and interventions, such as advocacy and professional education, as applied during and after a large project focusing on Aboriginal mental health and safe medication management. The project was conducted by our research team and partners, community-controlled Aboriginal health services, and community leaders.
The paper provides a discussion of major Aboriginal mental health issues gleaned from the literature, along with a discussion, and a conceptual model for conducting ethical Aboriginal health research, that has both evolved and guided us. It is hoped that this paper will assist nurses and other professional colleagues to work more effectively with Aboriginal peoples.
Keywords
Aboriginal, mental health, alcohol and drugs (substance use), nursing, cultural sensitivity, education
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