Feltman: evaluating the utilisation of an Aboriginal diabetes education tool by health professionals
Hannah Xu A D 1 , Christina Geros A 1 , Emma Turner A , Mikaela Egan B , Kristie Cocotis C , Colin Mitchell C , Natalie Arambasic C and Jennifer Browne BA Monash University, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, 264 Ferntree Gully Road, Notting Hill, Vic. 3168, Australia.
B Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO), 17–23 Sackville Street, Collingwood, Vic. 3066, Australia.
C Diabetes Victoria, 570 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, Vic. 3000, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: hannahxu13@gmail.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(6) 496-501 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18033
Submitted: 26 February 2018 Accepted: 29 July 2018 Published: 19 October 2018
Abstract
Diabetes contributes considerably to the health disparities in the Aboriginal population. To address the lack of Aboriginal-specific diabetes education tools, Feltman was designed for health professionals to deliver diabetes prevention and management information. This qualitative study aims to explore how this resource was used and its perceived effect on diabetes prevention and management in Victorian Aboriginal communities. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 18 participants (n = 6 were Aboriginal) who had attended Feltman training between 2010 and 2016. Semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone or face-to-face were audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed via content analysis. Content analysis identified three main categories regarding Feltman: (1) utilisation in Aboriginal and mainstream health services; (2) as a comprehensive, engaging tool that supports understanding of diabetes; and (3) the barriers and challenges to Feltman’s use. Overall, Feltman was regarded as a culturally appropriate diabetes education tool that is visual, tactile, engaging, supportive of health literacy and perceived to enhance Community members’ understanding of diabetes prevention and management. This is the first study to provide insight into Feltman’s implementation; adding to the evidence-base for Aboriginal-specific diabetes education tools.
Additional keywords: health education, health promotion, health resources.
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