In a groundbreaking initiative, researchers from Western Australia have successfully introduced and tested a program aimed at improving the rehabilitation process for Aboriginal Australians who have experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury.

The Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator role was rolled out between 2018 – 2022, providing support, education, information and advocacy.

The role was filled by Aboriginal health professionals and developed as a way of providing culturally appropriate care and support for Aboriginal people during their recovery.

The Healing Right Way study, led by Professor Beth Armstrong and a team of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal clinicians and researchers, included the trial of the Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator service in Western Australia.

This trial was conducted collaboratively with Aboriginal Medical Services, eight hospitals throughout Western Australia, and the Stroke Foundation.

"Aboriginal Australians experience stroke and traumatic brain injury at significant rates and a culturally appropriate response to rehabilitation and recovery has been really lacking," said chief investigator, Professor Beth Armstrong.

The first #AboriginalBrainInjuryCoordinators Renee Speedy, Maureen Merritt & Rebecca Clinch improving outcomes of Aboriginal #stroke & #TBI survivors as core part of #HealingRightWay RCT ⁦@EdithCowan⁩ ⁦⁦@strokefdn⁩ ⁦@nhmrc⁩ ⁦@ruralhealth⁩ pic.twitter.com/5MJUjSvV9Z

— Elizabeth Armstrong (@ProfBArmstrong) February 26, 2021

More than 100 Aboriginal people from various regions across Western Australia who had experienced a stroke or traumatic brain injury engaged in the Healing Right Way initiative, including those who live in remote areas with limited access.

Before the Healing Right Way initiative, Aboriginal people who had experienced strokes communicated to Professor Armstrong's team in prior studies that their care experience could have been improved through increased cultural sensitivity.

This included improved communication with healthcare providers and a higher involvement of Aboriginal healthcare experts in their treatment.

"Healing Right Way was the direct result of these recommendations, and the Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinator role was developed. It is the first such role and nine Coordinators were employed across WA" said Professor Armstrong.

During the study, nine Aboriginal Brain Injury Coordinators engaged with patients during their hospital stays, providing both in-person and telephone support and then followed them up for six months.

The study also delivered cultural security training to hospital staff with a focus on the needs of Aboriginal stroke and traumatic brain injury survivors.

"We found that this is an acceptable delivery of care model and a feasible role that can make a difference," Professor Armstrong said.

The team's research was showcased at the combined Stroke Society of Australasia and Smart Strokes Nursing and Allied Health Scientific Meeting in Melbourne last week.