Abstract
Problem
There is increasing demand for capacity building among the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander (Indigenous) maternal and infant health workforce to improve health outcomes
for mothers and babies; yet few studies describe the steps taken to mentor novice
Indigenous researchers to contribute to creating a quality evidence-base in this space.
Background
The Indigenous Birthing in an Urban Setting study is a partnership project aimed at
improving maternity services for Indigenous families in South East Queensland.
Aim
To describe our experience setting up a Participatory Action Research team to mentor
two young Indigenous women as research assistants on the Indigenous Birthing in an
Urban Setting study.
Methods
Case study reflecting on the first six months.
Findings
Participatory Action Research was a very effective method to actively mentor and engage
all team members in reflective, collaborative research practice, resulting in positive
changes for the maternity care service. The research assistants describe learning
to conduct interviews and infant assessments, as well as gaining confidence to build
rapport with families in the study. Reflecting on the stories shared by the women
participating in the study has opened up a whole new world and interest in studying
midwifery and child health after learning the difficulties and strengths of families
during pregnancy and beyond.
Discussion
We encourage others to use Participatory Action Research to enable capacity building
in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander midwifery workforce and in health research
more broadly.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 08, 2017
Accepted:
October 25,
2017
Received in revised form:
October 20,
2017
Received:
February 15,
2017
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Australian College of Midwives. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
