Developer/Adapter Method: A Community-Based Approach to Improve Health in Indigenous Communities

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide a narrative of our experience with community-driven change using our “Developer/Adapter” research method in Northern Ontario, Canada, so it can be explored in other First Nations contexts. The goal of our currently funded research is to identify community solutions and knowledge and implement community-developed interventions to better support older Indigenous persons, especially those in rural and remote communities, to “age in place” and remain independent in the community through timely access to relevant care. Our Developer/Adapter research method was developed in response to the community-identified need for self-determination to overcome the limitations of traditional Western approaches and effectively plan and execute change in Indigenous communities. Our approach commits to supporting a self- determining voice for Indigenous people and working collaboratively to develop wholistic care interventions. We believe this approach can generate compelling data for policy and practice change in both Canada and Australia.