Implementing an Indigenous Research Methodology to Develop a Culturally Appropriate Survey and Yarning Protocol: Challenges With Retention of the Aboriginal Health, Ageing and Disability Workforce

Abstract

Aboriginal staff play a vital part in improving culturally safe and effective services and supports for Aboriginal people. Research on the Aboriginal workforce helps advance a culturally safe environment for workers and Aboriginal people accessing health and community services. This study aims to identify the barriers and enablers to workforce retention of Aboriginal people who do not have university qualifications and who work in the health, disability and aged care sectors in NSW, Australia. Using an Indigenous research model, this mixed-method study aimed to recruit 150 front-line workers and 50 organisational leaders. Data collection consisted of online surveys that collected quantitative and qualitative data, followed by in-depth interviews and yarn ups with a subset of 20 frontline workers and 20 organisational leaders who had completed the survey. Participants were recruited through snowballing techniques, such as utilising networks and relationships in the communities. The online surveys were completed by participants via an emailed link and phone completion. Indigenous Research Methodologies were comprehensively applied throughout the study and included the development of a strong Indigenous governance structure. These methods are internationally recognised approaches to achieving high participation rates in Indigenous-specific research and to ensuring that all phases of research, including design and the interpretation of results, are driven and managed from an Indigenous standpoint.