Factors influencing success and long-term engagement with Aunty Roma's falls prevention program

Issue Addressed: The use of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health programs is linked to improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This study sought to understand the strengths within Aunty Roma's falls prevention program that have facilitated successful implementation, continued engagement and improved health outcomes. This study is the first to explore perspectives surrounding an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander falls prevention program that has demonstrated long-term success in a hospital environment. Methods: Indigenous methodologies were used to inform a qualitative descriptive research design and gather Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives through a yarning circle and individual yarns. An Aboriginal Reference Group was established to provide community control over the research process and ensure prioritisation of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and cultural values. Thematic analysis was used to produce key themes. Results: Yarning was conducted with two healthcare workers and nine group members involved in Aunty Roma's. Themes emerging from the data included community ownership, staff commitment, cultural safety, flexibility, social connection and relationships and improved health access and outcomes. Conclusions: This research demonstrates that through strong partnerships with staff and the community, and commitment to long-term implementation, hospital-based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander falls prevention programs can be culturally safe and successful in the long term. So What?: These findings will benefit the community involved through documentation of factors contributing to success, driving continual improvement of the program. The findings may also inform implementation of similar programs in the future.