Research ACCORDing to whom? Developing a South Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Research Accord

Abstract

Documents regarding ethical research conduct are available to guide researchers in the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (Aboriginal) health, yet their implementation lacks consistency within and between research institutions. South Australia has taken a conscious approach to implement locally appropriate ethical practice in Aboriginal health research by developing a South Australian Aboriginal Health Research Accord (Accord). The Accord was developed through an iterative mixed-methods approach, involving a literature review, stakeholder consultations and consensus-building process. The Accord comprises nine key principles that guide Aboriginal health research in South Australia: priorities, involvement, partnership, respect, communication, reciprocity, ownership, control, and knowledge translation and exchange. Each principle is presented with a summary explanation and description of its application in research practice. The Accord aims to guide researchers, universities, research institutes, consultants, governments and service providers in the appropriate processes required when developing and conducting health research with Aboriginal people in South Australia and can serve as a guide for ethics committees. It provides a voice for Aboriginal communities to inform researchers on how they would like health research to be conducted in their communities. Consistently applying the nine principles of the Accord will increase the impact and benefit of health research for Aboriginal people in Australia.