To establish the acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness of a co-designed education and exercise program for First Nations people with peripheral artery disease.
High rates of peripheral artery disease in First Nations people
In NSW First Nations people experience higher rates of peripheral artery disease (PAD), related cardiovascular disease than non-Indigenous Australians. This significantly contributes to mortality and life-changing morbidity for First Nations Peoples. Lack of access to culturally safe services for evidence-based management of PAD is a key driver of health inequities for First Nations Peoples. This project privileges First Nations knowledges and methodologies to support a community-led co-design process to develop a culturally responsive PAD education and exercise program. Through this process, this project directly engages end-users as co-researchers.
The project will provide access for Community to First Nations-led best practice PAD care, increase transferable healthcare and research knowledge and skills in Community, increase leadership capacities of empowered First Nations individuals, families, and Communities, create a translatable health education resource, and provide long term improvement in PAD outcomes and cardiovascular health.
A culturally-responsive exercise and education program
The Walk Strong project has been developed though ongoing consultation with Darkinjung Community members and Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Services about PAD. This project uses First Nations governance and best practice co-design methodology privileging First Nations knowledges and methodologies to support a community-led process to develop a culturally responsive PAD education and exercise program. The programs will be evaluated inclusive of Community priorities. The project will support access to best practice secondary prevention healthcare for First Nations Peoples with PAD and reduce rates of major cardiovascular and limb events.