The Australian journal of rural health
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Aust J Rural Health · Jun 2001
Diabetic foot care: developing culturally appropriate educational tools for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the Northern Territory, Australia.
Evidence shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have the highest national percentage of morbidity in relation to diabetes. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people also suffer the greatest risk of amputation as a complication of diabetes. This participatory action research project sought to discover the opinions of a range of people, including registered nurses, general practitioners, Aboriginal health workers, cross-cultural liaison officers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with diabetes. ⋯ The themes provided evidence of the inherent issues of foot care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and guidance for the development of a visual educational tool. The results have lead to the development of a foot care educational tool that will be used by health-care professionals and clients in urban, community, rural and remote areas. The use of a participant action research process will ensure that the educational tool will be owned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and health-care professionals.