How can health professionals help create better health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples? A new paper co-authored by UCRH researcher Jane Linton explores the role of allyship and advocacy in improving care for Indigenous people living with musculoskeletal pain.
Published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, Moving Forward Together. Part 5: Championing Physical Therapy Allyship and Advocacy for Indigenous Peoples With Musculoskeletal Pain builds on the wider Moving Forward Together series, which aims to support more culturally safe and responsive healthcare.
The paper brings together Indigenous clinicians and researchers from Australia, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Canada, alongside non-Indigenous colleagues, to explore how health professionals can work alongside Indigenous communities to create meaningful change.
The authors highlight that the ongoing impacts of colonisation continue to influence health outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. They argue that allyship is more than good intentions. It requires listening, learning, building respectful relationships and taking action to address barriers that affect health and wellbeing.
Using a framework that looks at influences from the individual level through to organisations and health systems, the team outlines practical actions that can help drive change. These include supporting culturally safe care, strengthening education and training, improving research practices and advocating for systems that better meet the needs of Indigenous communities.
By encouraging health professionals to become active allies and advocates, the paper aims to support lasting improvements in healthcare experiences and outcomes for Indigenous communities.
