Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with COPD: A guide for health workers

The Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with COPD resource is a foundational guide developed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. 

Why use this resource? 

COPD is poorly understood and underdiagnosed in many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This resource draws directly on the experiences of people living with COPD, gathered through qualitative research in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS). It gives health workers grounded insight to support more informed, culturally responsive care. 

Key features of this resource

• Insights into common experiences at each stage of the COPD journey, from getting symptoms through to receiving treatment. 
• An exploration of the role ACCHS play in culturally safe care, including access to medications, pulmonary rehabilitation, and peer connection. 
• The Lung Tree metaphor: a culturally grounded way to explain how the lungs work and how COPD affects them. 
• A practical framework for health professionals covering five ways to help: educate, encourage, support, provide a culturally safe space, and help people stay connected to family, community, and country. 
• Guidance on adapting language and examples to suit local community contexts.

Practical applications for health workers 

This resource is designed to be used alongside the the BE WELL Yarning Scripts & Illustrations, and video as part of a holistic COPD education program, providing the contextual understanding health workers need to approach these conversations with empathy and cultural awareness.

The Learning from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with COPD guide is a free resource developed as part of the BE WELL (Breathe Easy Walk Easy Lungs for Life) project. Education resources were developed with funding from the NHMRC Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases for a project tilted: Implementing evidence into practice to improve chronic lung disease management in Indigenous Australians: the Breathe Easy, Walk Easy – Lungs for Life (BE WELL) project. 

The development of the resources was led by Professor Jennifer Alison and Dr David Meharg, with support from Lung Foundation Australia.  

The scripts were reviewed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals.  

The Investigation team for the NHMRC GACD grant was: Prof Jennifer Alison, Prof Christine Jenkins, Prof Stephen Jan, Prof Graeme Maguire, Prof Tim Shaw, Prof Sarah Dennis, A/Prof Zoe McKeough, Dr Vanessa Lee.