Embedding First Nations voices in renal care

AKction2
Collaborative action research group 

Valuing First Nations patients’ and their families’ lived experiences, strengths and priorities is essential to addressing gaps in—and decolonising—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ healthcare; and that’s exactly what AKction2 and the Adelaide Nursing School are working together to achieve in the treatment of kidney disease.

Like far too many chronic conditions, kidney disease impacts First Nations peoples at higher rates than others in our community; it also occurs at younger ages. First Nations voices have historically gone unheard in the quest to close this gap. But AKction2 and the Adelaide Nursing School are listening.

“We’re collaborating to bring together First Nations community members, health professionals and researchers to generate positive change,”say project co-leads Kim O’Donnell and Janet Kelly.

“That’s delivering improved cultural and clinical care experiences, and outcomes.”