OBJECTIVE
To develop a framework for an Aboriginal Wellness program at Stanton Territorial Health Authority (STHA), involving key stakeholders in the investigation and development of the issue.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
An oral history interview with Aboriginal Elders will be held, including all seven Council members. The interview will be held as an extension to other meetings being held in regards to the Aboriginal Wellness Program. The process will be voluntary, and a facilitator will be used. Questions will be asked, but the Elders will be able to speak freely as well. All data gathered will be transcribed and shared with the Chair to ensure the validity of the translation.
Two focus groups, one with the nurses and one with the physicians in the medicine and extended care units, will be conducted. Participation will be limited to 8 to 10 individuals. A set of open-ended questions will be prepared and a facilitator will moderate the 90-minute discussion. A pilot study will be conducted to test proposed research questions with other staff. During the focus group non-verbal language will be observed and documented, notes taken on specific areas of interest, and ideas are drawn out.
A face-to-face interview will be held with two senior executives with questions based on some of the data gathered, in order to understand what these individuals see for the Aboriginal Wellness program. The information will be utilized in the development conclusions.
A final report will be provided to all interested parties, an action plan will be provided to the sponsor, and an executive summary will be provided to the participants.
Fieldwork was conducted from February 8th to June 30th, 2008, in Yellowknife.
