What do Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory value during the operation journey? A qualitative study

To explore the values of Aboriginal people in the Northern Territory during their perioperative journey.

A community-based participatory action research approach was used, integrating yarning, deep listening and reflection methods to gather qualitative data in culturally appropriate ways. Data collection involved two yarning circles followed by interpretation and triangulation sessions with co-researchers.

Conducted in non-health care settings in Garramilla (Darwin) between May 2023 and September 2024, the study included participants from urban, regional and remote NT Aboriginal communities.

Purposive and snowball sampling were used to engage 18 participants with lived experience of surgery, who share expertise in renal health journeys and have kinship ties spanning from Saltwater Country to Desert Country, with diverse age, language and gender representation.

Thematic insights into what First Nations peoples in the NT value during the perioperative journey, to inform culturally safe models of care.

Respect emerged as the core principle in the perioperative journey, with family involvement, cultural practices and effective communication identified as key elements. Respect was evident in honouring cultural protocols, integrating traditional healing practices and recognising patient autonomy. Family involvement was highlighted as essential, with kinship ties influencing shared decision-making processes and support throughout the perioperative experience. Culturally competent communication, including the use of interpreters and clear explanations, played a critical role in bridging cultural differences and ensuring shared understanding. Together, these elements fostered a sense of safety, belonging and empowerment. Ultimately, trust was identified as an overarching outcome that unified these interconnected values, enhancing patient comfort, engagement and overall satisfaction in the perioperative journey.

Respect is integral to Aboriginal people in the perioperative journey, and they value family, culture and communication when navigating surgery. When these values coalesce, trust is generated. These findings highlight the need to integrate culturally informed, patient-centred care models that prioritise respect and trust building to improve accessibility, experience and surgical outcomes.