Improving culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal patients
Official title: The Communicate Study Partnership - Improving Healthcare Experiences and Outcomes for Aboriginal Peoples Through Delivery of Culturally Safe Healthcare in First Languages
Run by Menzies School of Health Research · NCT05629416 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 340 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Menzies School of Health Research Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Darwin, Northern Territory and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 23, 2022 |
| Main results expected | May 11, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 16, 2023 |
| Trial ID | NCT05629416 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study include Aboriginal patients seeking healthcare services in Northern Territory hospitals.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: Other studies focusing on cultural safety and interpreter services in healthcare have shown positive outcomes, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
Royal Darwin Hospital
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Recruiting -
Palmerston Hospital
Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia Not yet recruiting -
Katherine Hospital
Katherine, Northern Territory, Australia Not yet recruiting -
Gove District Hospital
Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory, Australia Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna Ralph, PhD — Menzies School of Health Research
- Study coordinator: Anna Ralph, PhD
- Email: anna.ralph@menzies.edu.au
- Phone: +618 89468647
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.