Two ears to listen: Lessons learned from research in Indigenous contexts

Abstract

Research is undertaken to produce knowledge to guide clinical practice. However, some of the most important learnings from research do not come from formal “findings” but from what is learnt throughout the research process. This is particularly salient for research with Indigenous peoples, in which community connections and culturally-appropriate methods of engagement are emphasised. In this paper we discuss what we have learnt over years of research with Aboriginal Australians in Western Australia and Māori in New Zealand, and how this might inform clinical practice. The Australian context has involved studies focused on individuals with communication disorders following stroke and traumatic brain injury and their families, along with perspectives on service delivery from a variety of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health professionals. The New Zealand focus has been on Māori with stroke and their extended families. While the contexts are different, there are significant commonalities based on philosophical principles, such as engagement. This includes having the guidance of an Aboriginal reference group or rangahau whānau; working with Indigenous co-researchers; finding out what people want, and what would be useful for them; engaging with community networks in order to access people with communication disorders, rather than relying on health professionals; and most importantly, establishing an ongoing relationship of trust that will ensure real and ongoing benefit to the community. Applications of how these principles can guide clinical practice will be discussed.