Principles and practices of communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing mental health services: a systematic review
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(Roman, Hoberg, Ekberg, Farag) Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.
(Rogers, Surijah) Jawun Research Centre, Central Queensland University, 160 Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
(Combo) Gnibi College of Indigenous Knowledge, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
(Henaway, Alchin, Burke) Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Corner of Butterfield Street and Bowen Bridge Road, Herson, Queensland, Australia.
(Mushin) School of Languages and Cultures, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
(Mueter) School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.
(Burke) School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Level 2, Dianella Building, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia.
(Spinks) Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
(Bernades) School of Population Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia; Department of Population Health, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia..
(Farag) School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Parramatta (South) Campus, Victoria Road, Rydalmere, New South Wales, Australia
(Rogers, Surijah) Jawun Research Centre, Central Queensland University, 160 Ann Street, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
(Combo) Gnibi College of Indigenous Knowledge, Southern Cross University, PO Box 157, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia.
(Henaway, Alchin, Burke) Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Corner of Butterfield Street and Bowen Bridge Road, Herson, Queensland, Australia.
(Mushin) School of Languages and Cultures, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
(Mueter) School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Victoria Park Road, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia.
(Burke) School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia; ARC Centre of Excellence for Children and Families Over the Life Course, The University of Queensland, Level 2, Dianella Building, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Queensland, Australia.
(Spinks) Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, University Drive, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
(Bernades) School of Population Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science, The University of Queensland, 288 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia; Department of Population Health, Global Health and Tropical Medicine, QIMR Berghofer, 300 Herston Road, Herston, Queensland, Australia..
(Farag) School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University, Parramatta (South) Campus, Victoria Road, Rydalmere, New South Wales, Australia
Year
2026
Citation
First Nations Health and Wellbeing - The Lowitja Journal. Vol.4. June 2026, 100119.
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First Nations Health and Wellbeing - The Lowitja Journal
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Abstract
Purpose: Communication between mental health professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is critical for culturally safe care. Although the importance of communication is well recognised, genuinely supporting culturally safe communication necessitates moving beyond challenges to identify solutions. Using a strengths-based approach, this study aimed to identify principles and practices for communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing mental health services.
Methods: This study was conducted at the interface of Indigenous and Western knowledge using theories and tools developed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholars and integrating these with systematic review methods. A systematic search for qualitative and quantitative evidence was conducted across databases including peer-reviewed and other (‘grey’) literature. Search results were independently screened by an Aboriginal researcher and a non-Indigenous clinician researcher. Following screening, additional searches were conducted (e.g. of reference lists in systematic reviews). The quality of literature sources meeting inclusion criteria was appraised by the same researchers using Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and Western tools. Informed by Indigenous research methodology, thematic synthesis was used to identify principles and practices for communication.
Main findings: The search strategies identified 2,504 unique literature sources. Following screening, 57 sources were deemed to meet inclusion criteria. Critical appraisal identified that most sources were produced by reputable organisations and authors, who provided accurate information based on evidence, although fewer sources incorporated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander leadership, governance and authorship. Thematic synthesis identified three high-level principles for communication that could be understood from the standpoints of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and other people living in Australia: 1) Knowing Our Stories: Professional requirements of knowledge and understanding to support culturally safe communication; 2) Being With Us: Preparing for culturally safe communication; and 3) Doing Things Our Way: Practices for culturally safe communication.
Principal conclusions: The sizable body of literature synthesised in this review identifies both high-level and detailed principles and practices that mental health professionals should employ to promote culturally safe communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples accessing mental health services.
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