Producing evidence and actions to address health inequity: evaluating processes and outcomes from an Indigenous-Non-Indigenous research partnership in regional WA — Agentur Pty Ltd
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  3. Producing evidence and actions to address health inequity: evaluating processes and outcomes from an Indigenous-Non-Indigenous research partnership in regional WA

Producing evidence and actions to address health inequity: evaluating processes and outcomes from an Indigenous-Non-Indigenous research partnership in regional WA (202)

Emma Haynes 1 , Charmaine Green 2 , Gordon Gray 3 , Paul Royce 1 , Sandra Thompson 1
  1. Western Australia Centre for Rural Health, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
  2. Telethon Kids Institute, Geraldton, WA
  3. Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Alliance , Geraldton, WA

Background:In 2010 the Midwest Aboriginal Organisations Allicance (MAOA) identified housing as a major issue impacting on the health of Aboriginal people in Geraldton. In 2011 MAOA formed a research partnership with the WA Centre for Rural Health (WACRH) to deliver evidence to support improved housing access. We report here on research evaluating the MAOA-WACRH housing research partnership processes and outcomes with a focus on addressing health inequity.

Methods:Mixed methods evaluative research included:

* In-depth interviews with research partners and housing stakeholders at two follow-up points to examine research process experience and perceptions regarding the value of the research

*VicHealth partnerships analysis tool

*Observations: meetings, informal conversations

Secondary sources: 3 housing research reports; a research paper; meeting minutes

Results/Discussions:A broad range of outcomes have emerged from the partnership in addition to evidence and discussions about the nature of and solutions for housing access issues. Involvement in the research project increased MAOA members' interest and willingness to be involved in research, increased skills and confidence, and contributed to a sense of greater authority regarding local issues. Researchers developed a more nuanced, practical understanding of participatory action research; increased capacity for research addressing the causes of health inequity and Aboriginal strengthened relationships with the local community. Evidence from the research has been useful in supporting change and action, including MAOA applications for funding to implement recommended strategies from the research and informing local government planning around housing.

Conclusions/implications: The evaluation demonstrates the complexities involved in undertaking research to produce the evidence needed to address factors contributing to health inequity. System-level outcomes are rarely generated quickly. This project demonstrates the value of and need for long-term funding given the time required from evidence to tangible impact. As well as guiding future MAOA-WACRH partnership research, this evaluation informs research addressing inequity beyond the health sector.

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