Participatory Action Research-Dadirri-Ganma, using Yarning: methodology co-design with Aboriginal community members.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate choice of research design is essential to rightly understand the research problem and derive optimal solutions. The Comorbidity Action in the North project sought to better meet the needs of local people affected by drug, alcohol and mental health comorbidity. The aim of the study focused on the needs of Aboriginal peoples and on developing a truly representative research process. A methodology evolved that best suited working with members of a marginalised Aboriginal community. This paper discusses the process of co-design of a Western methodology (participatory action research) in conjunction with the Indigenous methodologies Dadirri and Ganma. This co-design enabled an international PhD student to work respectfully with Aboriginal community members and Elders, health professionals and consumers, and non-Indigenous service providers in a drug and alcohol and mental health comorbidity project in Adelaide, South Australia. METHODS: The PhD student, Aboriginal Elder mentor, Aboriginal Working Party, and supervisors (the research team) sought to co-design a methodology and applied it to address the following challenges: the PhD student was an international student with no existing relationship with local Aboriginal community members; many Aboriginal people deeply distrust Western research due to past poor practices and a lack of implementation of findings into practice; Aboriginal people often remain unheard, unacknowledged and unrecognised in research projects; drug and alcohol and mental health comorbidity experiences are often distressing for Aboriginal community members and their families; attempts to access comorbidity care often result in limited or no access; and Aboriginal community members experience acts of racism and discrimination as health professionals and consumers of health and support services. The research team considered deeply how knowledge is shared, interpreted, owned and controlled, by whom and how, within research, co-morbidity care and community settings. The PhD student was supported to co-design a methodology that was equitable, democratic, liberating and life-enhancing, with real potential to develop feasible solutions. RESULTS: The resulting combined Participatory Action Research (PAR)-Dadirri-Ganma methodology sought to create a bridge across Western and Aboriginal knowledges, understanding and experiences. Foundation pillars of this bridge were mentoring of the PhD student by senior Elders, who explained and demonstrated the critical importance of Yarning (consulting) and Indigenous methodologies of Dadirri (deep listening) and Ganma (two-way knowledge sharing), and discussions among all involved about the principles of Western PAR. CONCLUSIONS: Concepts within this paper are shared from the perspective of the PhD student with the permission and support of local Elders and Working Group members. The intention is to share what was learned for the benefit of other students, research projects and community members who are beginning a similar journey.

Roadmap to resilience: Incorporating a wellness program into the pharmacy residency curriculum.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In recent years, wellness initiatives across various health professions have prompted national pharmacy organizations to prioritize pharmacist well-being. Pharmacy residency programs present ideal platforms to foster wellness practices among new pharmacy practitioners. By describing the components and implementation of the Resident Wellness Program at an academic medical center, we aim to guide other institutions in facilitating wellness activities for pharmacy trainees. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: The Resident Wellness Program was implemented in 2019 and provides pharmacy residents with a structured framework of wellness activities intended to promote mental and physical health and prevent burnout. Feedback surveys and written reflections have provided initial evidence of the program's value in enhancing resident well-being. FINDINGS: A qualitative analysis of surveys and reflections highlights the program's positive impact, with more than 90% of participants indicating that the program met their needs and promoted self-development. Perspectives from residents and administrators identified key strengths, including the structured nature of sessions and diversity of wellness topics. Opportunities for improvement include teaching participants to apply practical wellness strategies and refining topics to align with residents' interests. As the program evolves, a formal analysis via standardized surveys and an assessment of longitudinal impact will support continued enhancement. SUMMARY: The implementation of a pharmacy resident wellness program provides an opportunity to promote well-being and work performance. By engaging in similar initiatives, other institutions can mirror the commitment of national pharmacy organizations and contribute to a culture of wellness among pharmacy residents and the greater pharmacy workforce.