Principal Researchers
Ms Betty Kitchener a
Professor Anthony Jorm a
Mr Len Kanowskib
Associate Professor Dan Lubman a
Dr Claire Kelly a
Ms Sarah Bourchiera
Ms Laura Harta
Ms Donna Stanleyb
Institution
a The Orygen Youth Health Research Centre, The University of Melbourne
b NSW Greater Western Area Health Service
Funding
$99,198
Award Type
beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence
Project completion year
2009
Project brief
This project used the Delphi consensus method to develop guidelines for providing first aid to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons experiencing or developing problem drug use. First aid strategies identified from a systematic literature search were presented as action statements to a panel of experts on Aboriginal mental health. Panellists were employed across the mental health field including psychology, Aboriginal Medical Service (AMS), universities, counselling services, drug and alcohol services and community health services.
Participants rated the action statements as either “essential”, “important”, “don’t know/ depends”, “unimportant” or “should not be included”.
Statements that were rated as either “essential” or “important” by 90 per cent or more of the panel were considered to have been endorsed and were used to draft guideline documents. Two questionnaires about the guidelines were conducted before consensus was reached. The guidelines provide information on culturally appropriate first aid in a way that is accessible to Aboriginal communities across Australia.
Key findings
The research produced three main outcomes:
- a questionnaire covering how to provide first aid to an Aboriginal person experiencing drug misuse
- guidelines on how to provide first aid to an Aboriginal person experiencing drug misuse
- guidelines that were developed in a culturally respectful way that encouraged
Aboriginal communities to have ownership over the research findings and be willing to use the guidelines.
Links
The Mental Health First Aid Program can be found at the MHFA website.