A Pathway to Precision Medicine for Aboriginal Australians: A Study Protocol.

Area of Science:

• Genomic Medicine
• Public Health
• Indigenous Health Research

Background:

• Genomic precision medicine (PM) leverages genomic data for healthcare but is underutilized in Aboriginal Australian communities due to limited data.
• A significant health gap persists between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians, partly due to unequal access to advanced healthcare like PM.
• This research addresses the need for culturally appropriate genomic healthcare solutions for Indigenous populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a co-design protocol for implementing genomic precision medicine (PM) in partnership with Aboriginal Australians.
• To enhance the relevance and acceptability of PM research and healthcare within Aboriginal communities.
• To lay the groundwork for equitable access to genomic healthcare for Indigenous Australians.

Main Methods:

• A five-phase iterative qualitative study employing co-design principles.
• Establishment of project governance and an Aboriginal community advisory committee.
• Community consultation, co-design workshops with community members and researchers, thematic analysis of ideas, and protocol evaluation.

Main Results:

• The study outlines a structured co-design process for developing a genomic precision medicine protocol.
• The protocol emphasizes community engagement, governance, and iterative refinement.
• The process aims to generate culturally safe and relevant genomic healthcare strategies.

Conclusions:

• The developed co-design protocol is a critical step towards making genomic precision medicine accessible and acceptable for Aboriginal Australians.
• Successful implementation of this protocol can contribute to closing the health gap by ensuring equitable access to genomic healthcare.
• This research establishes a model for ethical and effective genomic research partnerships with Indigenous communities.