Objective: To increase the level of understanding of Chronic Kidney Disease in the Indigenous population of the Kimberley through the development of culturally appropriate kidney educational resources.
Method: Renal staff in consultation with the Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service (OVAHS) in the East Kimberley, WA designed a package of culturally appropriate kidney educational posters,booklets and DVD's; covering awareness and prevention of kidney disease, the kidney disease pathway, dialysis therapy options and conservative care. The resources were developed, trialed and evaluated over a 3 year period at the visiting nephrologists’ clinics, OVAHS clinic and at CKD family meetings. Evaluation was performed through verbal questioning and surveys to clients, families and health clinic staff,resources were adapted as necessary.
Results: Evaluation to date shows an increase in the understanding of kidney disease. Results of questionaiires suggest that the kidney disease pathway and management is now much clearer for both kidney clients, AHW’s, RN’s and GP’s in the East Kimberley. The development process of such tools has also resulted in a partnership of Indigenous Corporations in the East Kimberley working towards improved kidney health outcomes.
Conclusions: The kidney education package has improved communication and understanding of kidney disease in the East Kimberley. Developing culturally appropriate kidney education resources requires timely consultation and collaboration with Indigenous groups. Cultural input that engages ownership of resources is imperative for success. The kidney education package will now be distributed to other Aboriginal Medical Services throughout the Kimberley, with the aim of slowing the progression of kidney disease.