‘We are experts in telling our story’ : the perspectives of stakeholders from Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services on the health and wellbeing of urban First Nations Australians, and their priorities for a First Nations urban health research agenda in Australia

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Abstract
Background: The urban First Nations population in Australia is rapidly increasing. The health policy and research focus on urban First Nations Australians, however, is limited. To contribute to addressing this situation, The University of Queensland Poche Centre for Indigenous Health (UQ Poche Centre), a First Nations-led health research centre, is working closely with urban Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) across Australia. Aim: Our study examined urban ACCHSs stakeholders’ perspectives of the health and wellbeing of urban First Nations Australians and identified their priorities for a national Indigenous urban health research agenda. Methods: Ten stakeholders were recruited for in-depth interviews from ACCHS that were members of the Research Alliance for Urban Community-Controlled Health Services (RAUCCHS), a partnership between the UQ Poche Centre and urban ACCHS focused on achieving equitable health outcomes for urban First Nations Australians. Six stakeholders identified as First Nations Australians. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Stakeholders highlighted a lack of research focused on the health of urban First Nations Australians. Specific priority areas they identified for an urban First Nations health research agenda were: evaluating the effectiveness and adaptability of Indigenous models of care, strengthening care pathways between ACCHS and specialist services, examining the intersection of cultural identity, racism and determinants of health, and greater investment in Indigenous research governance structures and processes. Conclusions: There is a clear opportunity for researchers to engage with RAUCCHS members to establish a body of urban First Nations health research in Australia that responds to their research priorities.

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