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Wilson A, Cornett M, Delbridge R, Mackean T, Palermo C. A realist evaluation of a community of practice for dietitians and nutritionists working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. J Hum Nutr Diet 2023; 36:277-287. [PMID: 35614859 PMCID: PMC10084382 DOI: 10.1111/jhn.13043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Communities of practice have been proposed as a workforce development strategy for developing dietitians, yet little is known about how they work and for whom, as well as under what circumstances. We aimed to understand the mechanisms by which dietitians working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health benefit from communities of practice. METHODS A realist evaluation of 29 interviews with non-Indigenous dietitians and nutritionists was employed, which was conducted over the course of two communities of practice (2013 and 2014) and follow-up interviews in 2019. Programme theory was developed from analysis of initial interviews and used to recode all interviews and test theory. The identification of patterns refined the programme theory. RESULTS Six refined theories were identified: (1) a community of practice fosters the relationships that support navigation of the many tasks required to become more responsive health professionals; (2) committed and open participants feel supported and guided to be reflexive; (3) sharing, reflexivity, feedback and support shift awareness to one's own practice to be able to manoeuvre in intercultural spaces; (4) through sharing, feedback, support and collaboration, participants feel assured and affirmed; (5) connection through feelings of understanding and being understood contributes to commitment to remain working in the area; and (6) through sharing, feedback, support and collaboration, participants with varied experience and roles see the value of and gain confidence in new perspectives, skills and practices. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to test this model on a much larger scale, with communities of practice inclusive of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health professionals together, and across a diverse group of dietitians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Wilson
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Marian Cornett
- Monash Centre for Scholarship in Health Education, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamara Mackean
- School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Monash Centre for Scholarship in Health Education, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Murray E, Burgess N, Hardy T, Myers J, Bacon R, Stephenson K, Park D, Schuldt V, Gray N, van Herwerden L, Brown C, Delbridge R. Advancing reconciliation: Signposts for dietetics educators. Nutr Diet 2023. [PMID: 36631070 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Murray
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Noell Burgess
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Tracy Hardy
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Judith Myers
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,College of Health & Human Sciences, Charles Darwin University, Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Rachel Bacon
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kelly Stephenson
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Deanna Park
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Vanessa Schuldt
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Natalie Gray
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Louise van Herwerden
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Clare Brown
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Dietitians Australia's Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, Deakin, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.,School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport, Latrobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Delbridge R, Jovanovski N, Skues J, Belski R. Exploring the relevance of intersectionality in Australian dietetics: Issues of diversity and representation. Sociol Health Illn 2022; 44:919-935. [PMID: 35404486 PMCID: PMC9545968 DOI: 10.1111/1467-9566.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Through an exploration of the origins of dietetics in the West, and specifically in Australia, we problematise the lack of diversity within the profession through the lens of intersectionality. Dietetics in Australia continues to be dominated by Australian-born women, and ideologies about dietitians perpetuate narratives of white, young, slim, women. Intersectional approaches to critiquing diversity in dietetics provides a useful framework to extend critical studies of health disparities into disparities in the dietetics professional workforce, which is advanced through structural, political and representational intersectionality guided critique. Through the analysis, a dialog is prompted in order to chart paths forward to find 'how differences will find expression' within the professional group. To do this, dietetics as a profession must reckon with its historical roots and step forward, out of a perceived position of objective neutrality regarding people and diversity, and into a position that can recognise that professional institutions have the power to exclude and marginalise, along with the power to include and transform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Delbridge
- Department of Nursing and Allied HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Food, Nutrition and DieteticsLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Natalie Jovanovski
- Melbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneCarltonAustralia
| | - Jason Skues
- Department of Psychological SciencesSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
| | - Regina Belski
- Department of Nursing and Allied HealthSwinburne University of TechnologyMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Food, Nutrition and DieteticsLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Wynn E, Palermo C, Delbridge R, Wilson A. Long-Term Outcomes of a Community of Practice for Dietitians Working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health: A Multimethod, Follow-up Study. J Contin Educ Health Prof 2022; 42:e60-e68. [PMID: 34108390 DOI: 10.1097/ceh.0000000000000370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dietitians are in an important position to work alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve their health and may play a role in reducing the burden of disease experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Many dietitians do not feel confident to practice effectively in these settings and require improved workforce development opportunities. Communities of Practice can improve dietitians' confidence and practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health; however, evidence for long-term impacts is limited. This study aims to determine if a Community of Practice can have long-term impacts on dietitians working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. METHODS Data were collected through semistructured interviews and a cultural awareness self-assessment tool. Analysis was through a multimethod approach and combined qualitative inductive thematic analysis, social network analysis, and descriptive statistics. RESULTS Three main areas of long-term impact were identified including development of a social and professional network, career progression and retention, and a fundamental change in thinking and practice. All participants experienced feelings of support and increased confidence. DISCUSSION Communities of practice may be a feasible, low-cost workforce development strategy that can reduce dietitians' feelings of professional isolation when working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Further research is required to identify the mechanisms underlying sustained impacts. Social network analysis, combined with realist evaluation may be an appropriate research design, to answer future and more in-depth questions about the effectiveness of communities of practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Wynn
- Ms. Wynn: Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD). Ms. Palermo: Fellow of the Dietetics Association of Australia (FDAA), Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Delbridge: Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian (AdvAPD), Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia. Ms. Wilson: Advanced Accredited Practicing Dietitian (AdvAPD), College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia
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Lassemillante ACM, Delbridge R. Do we dare ask if this is racism? Nutr Diet 2021; 78:458-460. [PMID: 34109718 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Annie-Claude M Lassemillante
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, School of Health Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
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Browne J, MacDonald C, Egan M, Carville K, Delbridge R, Backholer K. Relevance of the Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink media campaign to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences in regional Victoria. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:263-269. [PMID: 33818842 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that a culturally tailored sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) campaign designed specifically for the Victorian Aboriginal community will not only be valuable for Aboriginal Victorians but will also have cross-over benefits for non-Aboriginal Victorians. METHODS An online survey was completed by 155 Victorians (78 Aboriginal, 77 non-Aboriginal) four months after the Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink (RSD) advertisement was launched. Differences between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal respondents were assessed using χ2 and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS Seventy-six per cent of Aboriginal respondents recalled seeing the advertisement compared to 56% of non-Aboriginal respondents (p<0.05). A high proportion of respondents (59% for Aboriginal, 55% for non-Aboriginal) who had seen the advertisement correctly identified the sugar content of a 600mL drink. The perceived relevance of the advertisement was high (78% for Aboriginal vs. 47% for non-Aboriginal; p=0.003), as was the response that it motivated action to improve health (82% vs. 50%; p=0.001). CONCLUSION Notwithstanding the small sample size, the Aboriginal advertisement appeared to engage both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Victorians and promote SSB knowledge and motivation to improve health, particularly among Aboriginal Victorians, who were the target population. Public health campaigns should be designed with Aboriginal Australians to ensure equitable reach and impacts across the whole population. Implications for public health: Aboriginal-led health promotion campaigns may be beneficial for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal audiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Browne
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Victoria
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
| | | | - Mikaela Egan
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Victoria
| | - Kylie Carville
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Victoria
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Victoria
- School of Health Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria
| | - Kathryn Backholer
- Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria
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Wilson A, Wilson R, Delbridge R, Tonkin E, Palermo C, Coveney J, Hayes C, Mackean T. Resetting the Narrative in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nutrition Research. Curr Dev Nutr 2020; 4:nzaa080. [PMID: 32467866 PMCID: PMC7241202 DOI: 10.1093/cdn/nzaa080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As the oldest continuous living civilizations in the world, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have strength, tenacity, and resilience. Initial colonization of the landscape included violent dispossession and removal of people from Country to expand European land tenure and production systems, loss of knowledge holders through frontier violence, and formal government policies of segregation and assimilation designed to destroy ontological relationships with Country and kin. The ongoing manifestations of colonialism continue to affect food systems and food knowledges of Aboriginal peoples, and have led to severe health inequities and disproportionate rates of nutrition-related health conditions. There is an urgent need to collaborate with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to address nutrition and its underlying determinants in a way that integrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' understandings of food and food systems, health, healing, and well-being. We use the existing literature to discuss current ways that Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are portrayed in the literature in relation to nutrition, identify knowledge gaps that require further research, and propose a new way forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Wilson
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Roland Wilson
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Department of Health Professions, Swinburne University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Tonkin
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - John Coveney
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Colleen Hayes
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tamara Mackean
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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MacDonald C, Browne J, Delbridge R, Egan M, Morgan K, McAleese A, Morley B, Niven P, Atkinson P. You wouldn’t eat 16 teaspoons of sugar – So why drink it? Community response to the Aboriginal Rethink Sugary Drink advertisement. Obes Res Clin Pract 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2016.10.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Browne J, MacDonald C, Egan M, Delbridge R, McAleese A, Morley B, Atkinson P. You wouldn't eat 16 teaspoons of sugar-so why drink it? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander responses to the LiveLighter sugary drink campaign. Health Promot J Austr 2018; 30:212-218. [PMID: 30144362 DOI: 10.1002/hpja.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
ISSUE ADDRESSED The reach and impact of the LiveLighter and Aboriginal sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) advertisements among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. METHODS The Aboriginal SSB advertisement launched online in January 2015 and aired on NITV in October/November 2015 as part of the Government-funded LiveLighter campaign. The advertisement was developed in Victoria and featured members of the Victorian Aboriginal community. Another LiveLighter advertisement targeting the general population was broadcast over the same period. Online surveys were completed by 150 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander adults in November/December 2015. RESULTS Around half of respondents reported seeing either the Aboriginal (47%) or the LiveLighter (56%) SSB advertisement, and the proportion was significantly greater in Victoria (Aboriginal: 60%, LiveLighter: 66%) than other states/territories (Aboriginal: 29%, LiveLighter: 43%). Compared to the LiveLighter advertisement, the Aboriginal campaign was seen to be more believable, to be more relevant and to have an important message for the Aboriginal community (P < 0.001). Participants from Victoria were significantly more likely to identify the sugar content of regular soft drink, compared with those from other states/territories (68% vs 40%, P < 0.001). Sixty per cent of participants who had seen the Aboriginal SSB advertisement reported they drank less SSBs compared with 48% of those not exposed, though the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the Aboriginal advertisement resonated with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and impacted knowledge about the sugar content of SSBs, particularly in Victoria where the campaign originated. SO WHAT?: This study highlights the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led health promotion campaigns and tailoring health messages to the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Browne
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Catherine MacDonald
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Mikaela Egan
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood, Vic., Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Collingwood, Vic., Australia
| | | | | | - Petah Atkinson
- Gukwonderuk Indigenous Engagement Unit, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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Svarc R, Davis C, McDonald H, Perruzza J, Browne J, Delbridge R, Morgan K, O'Reilly S, Margerison C, Palermo C. Exploring the impact of Aboriginal health placement experiences on the preparation of dietetic graduates for practice with Aboriginal communities. Nutr Diet 2018; 75:448-456. [PMID: 29436176 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM A health workforce with the ability to practice with Aboriginal communities is crucial to bridge the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. This study aimed to explore the impact of university Aboriginal health placements on preparing dietetic graduates for practice with Aboriginal communities. METHODS A mixed methods sequential explanatory design was used. A sample of 594 dietetic graduates was invited to complete a survey that identified Aboriginal health experiences and measured attitudes and self-confidence towards working in Aboriginal health using a five-point Likert scale. Participants were divided into placement versus no-placement groups and compared using chi-squared tests. Sixteen of 33 participants who had completed an Aboriginal health placement were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview to explore how placement influenced practice with Aboriginal communities. Interviews were analysed using content analysis. RESULTS A final sample of 120 participants showed that placement participants reported significantly higher self-confidence towards working in Aboriginal health compared with no-placement participants (No-placement = 35% agree, 36% neutral, 29% disagree; Placement = 74% agree, 11% neutral, 16% disagree; χ2 (2, 88) = 9.4; P = 0.01). Fifteen participants were interviewed. Interview data indicated that situated learning experiences, breaking down stereotypes, empathy through learning from Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal health role-models were key components of Aboriginal health placements in preparing dietetic graduates for practice with Aboriginal communities. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that Aboriginal health placements may be an effective strategy for preparing dietetic graduates for practice with Aboriginal communities. The feasibility of placement or alternative curriculum content needs to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Svarc
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Corinne Davis
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helena McDonald
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Julia Perruzza
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jennifer Browne
- Public Health and Research Unit, The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Public Health and Research Unit, The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Keith Morgan
- Public Health and Research Unit, The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sharleen O'Reilly
- UCD Agriculture and Food Science Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Claire Margerison
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wilson AM, Delbridge R, Palermo C. Supporting dietitians to work in Aboriginal health: Qualitative evaluation of a Community of Practice mentoring circle. Nutr Diet 2016; 74:488-494. [PMID: 29130296 DOI: 10.1111/1747-0080.12309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM This paper explores the experience of dietitians participating in a Community of Practice designed to support their work with Aboriginal communities. METHODS The Community of Practice for dietitians working with Aboriginal communities ran for 12 months, starting in May 2014. Six-weekly mentoring sessions were held using Skype, with conversation aided by a facilitator. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were held with all participants at the conclusion of the Community of Practice. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Thirteen dietitians participated in the Community of Practice and an in-depth, semi-structured interview. Four key themes were identified: (i) Aboriginal health practice requires a different way of 'knowing', 'being' and 'working'; (ii) Community of Practice is a safe place to discuss, debrief and explore ideas that are not safe elsewhere; (iii) participation in Community of Practice contributed to workforce retention in the Aboriginal health sector; and (iv) participation in Community of Practice contributed to dietitians changing their practice and feeling confident to do so. CONCLUSIONS By increasing confidence and opportunities for safe discussion, Community of Practice appears to be a useful model of Continuing Professional Development to support dietitians working in Aboriginal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle M Wilson
- School of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabelle Wilson
- Discipline of Public Health and Poche Centre for Indigenous Health and Well-Being; Flinders University; Adelaide South Australia Australia
| | - Robyn Delbridge
- Community Programs Unit; Victorian Aboriginal Health Service; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Claire Palermo
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics; Monash University; Melbourne Victoria Australia
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