Is your clinical trial ethical and appropriate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples?

Improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be a priority for all Australians. While research has been undertaken with Aboriginal Australians and their communities not all of it has been beneficial. It is important researchers undertaking research focused on Aboriginal Australians and their communities have experience, training and knowledge of the cultural context in which they will be working and consider whether the research is right (ethical and appropriate) for Aboriginal Australians, their communities and organisations. It is important researchers consult and work with relevant stakeholders at all stages of their research. This can lead to more effective research and greater benefits for Aboriginal Australians, their communities and organisations.

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research for the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Regions must be approved by the Aboriginal Health Research Community Panel at the University of Newcastle before commencement. You will need to apply for an application form by email if any of the following applies to your clinical trial:

• The experience of Aboriginal people is an explicit focus of all or part of the research
• Data collection is explicitly directed at Aboriginal peoples
• Aboriginal peoples, as a group, are to be examined in the results
• The information has an impact on one or more Aboriginal communities
• Aboriginal health funds are a source of funding.

Ideally you will work with local elders to determine if your project is of interest to them. You may struggle with recruitment if your idea is not a priority for them.

Who can help?

The Centre for Aboriginal Health in the NSW Ministry of Health can assist with navigating the concepts and approaches outlined in the quick guide and each Local Health District has an Aboriginal Health Unit that can assist with support on conducting ethical and culturally appropriate research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people or communities.

• Central Coast Local Health District Nunyara Aboriginal Health
• Hunter New England Local Health District Aboriginal Health Unit
• Mid North Coast Local Health District Aboriginal Health
• University of Newcastle The Wollotuka Institute
• The Women’s Health Research, Translation and Impact Network (WHRTN) have compiled a list of resources for engaging with indigenous communities that can be found here.