Improving culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal patients

The Communicate Study Partnership - Improving Healthcare Experiences and Outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples Through Delivery of Culturally Safe Healthcare in First Languages

Phase 2 Interventional Menzies School of Health Research · NCT05629416

This study is trying to see if training healthcare workers in cultural safety and using more Aboriginal interpreters can improve the hospital experience and health outcomes for Aboriginal patients in Northern Territory.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment340 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorMenzies School of Health Research Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Darwin, Northern Territory and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05629416 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Communicate Study Partnership aims to enhance the healthcare experience for Aboriginal patients by embedding cultural safety training and increasing the use of Aboriginal interpreters and health practitioners in Northern Territory hospitals. The study will implement various interventions, including anti-racism training for healthcare providers and strategies to improve the demand and supply of Aboriginal interpreters. Outcomes will be evaluated through both quantitative measures, such as interpreter uptake and patient outcomes, and qualitative assessments from interviews with participants. The goal is to achieve sustainable organizational change that leads to better health outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal people.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study include Aboriginal patients seeking healthcare services in Northern Territory hospitals.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Aboriginal or who are not seeking care in the participating hospitals may not receive benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve the healthcare experiences and outcomes for Aboriginal patients by ensuring they receive care in their first language and within a culturally safe environment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies focusing on cultural safety and interpreter services in healthcare have shown positive outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Different patient and provider participants (e.g. Aboriginal patients, Aboriginal interpreters, healthcare providers of any ethnicity) will be invited to participate in interviews, observations and surveys to assess effectiveness of study activities

Exclusion Criteria:

None

Where this trial is running

Darwin, Northern Territory and 3 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Aboriginal HealthCultural SafetyAccess to InterpretersHealthcare Provider Training
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.