Privileging the spirit, voices, and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in dementia care: Education for non-Indigenous health care providers

Purpose of research

Data show that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experiencing dementia receive services at mainstream health organizations and from non-Indigenous health care providers. It is imperative that non-Indigenous health care providers are educated about culturally respectful and safe care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with dementia. The purpose of this research was to partner with Aboriginal Elders to co-design and implement an online unit on culturally respectful and safe care to educate non-Indigenous health care providers.

Principal results

Twelve Aboriginal Elders from four Australian states, along with state-based Aboriginal project officers, partnered with the national, interdisciplinary research team to co-create and co-deliver the 13-week unit. Elders formed a Governance Group to guide the research team and ensure the content, delivery and methods of assessment of the unit privileged the spirit, voices, and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A team of Aboriginal markers, including Elders and project officers, was established to evaluate students’ assessments. The unit commenced in late July 2024 with 375 students enrolled.

Major conclusions

Comments from both Elders and students affirmed the importance of Elders' presence in the unit through their weekly zoom sessions with students and participation in evaluation of students' learnings. Elders’ guidance in the co-creation and co-delivery of the unit has been recognized at program, college and university levels. The unit is available nationally and internationally through the online Diploma of Dementia Care offered by the University of Tasmania, Australia.