Communication Training for Mental Health

About the Research Project

This project aims to improve the communication skills of non-indigenous mental health clinicians supporting First Nations patients of Public Mental Health Services.  This Commonwealth funded, five-year research project involves experts from the health service, community, and research sector. Acknowledging and leveraging the rich and diverse culture and perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a co-design process. Where these gaps are unaddressed, mental health and related conditions account for approximately 20% of the total disease burden experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. For an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person, mental health is conceived as an integral part of health and intertwined with family, kin, community, country, culture, spirituality, ancestry, and across the cycle of life-death-life (Gee, Dudgeon, Schultz, Hart & Kelly, 2013). Currently, there are limited evidence-based training resources available to non-indigenous mental health professionals about community-informed ways of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

This project uses the innovative methodology of conversation analysis in observable social conduct to understand communication and address a significant health gap for First Nations Australians. The project employs yarning circles as a culturally appropriate, collaborative way to share knowledge and co-design a communication training package. 

Impact

The project will deliver and evaluate the efficacy and impact of the culturally sensitive communication training package for non-First Nations mental health professionals, aiming to improve mental health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across four sites in Queensland.

Partners

• Metro North Health
• Metro South Health
• Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
• Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service