This is an email about a topic dear to my heart. If you know of someone, or are someone, that can assist with this study please help spread the information.
My deepest thanks,
Trish
Subject: A community-based mixed methods exploration identifying barriers to engaging Indigenous males in cancer treatment and supportive care
I am wondering if you could assist Dr Mick Adams with a cancer research study titled: A community-based mixed methods exploration identifying barriers to engaging Indigenous males in cancer treatment and supportive care.
The research study will investigate ways of improving cancer awareness and outcomes for males with cancer. The information collected will help us to better understand ways of the approaches used, what resources are available and the barriers to access available cancer consultation and treatment processes and support systems.
While this project is aimed at specifically identifying barriers to engaging Indigenous males in cancer treatment, I believe, however, that in order for me to develop a comprehensive understanding regarding issues impacting upon engaging with cancer related services, I would need to investigate the following issues amongst Indigenous and non-Indigenous males:
1. General perceptions of health and wellbeing including reasons for engagement or lack of engagement with health services generally.
2. Knowledge and perceptions regarding cancer, attitudes towards participation in screening and/or preventative activities or programs.
3. Experiences with regard to cancer, incorporating a focus on treatment experiences, including barriers potentially impeding access to treatment
4. Other experiences pertaining to the cancer journey, including interaction with family members, and access to supportive care services
5. Recommendations for intervention with regard to improving cancer awareness and outcomes for others within respective Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
I am intending (and hoping) to recruit a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous cancer survivors (varying in age, socio-economic background, location (rural, remote, metropolitan) to participate in focus group discussions and interviews and completion of the attached questionnaire.
I am very much aware that there are instances where men may not want to directly talk to me or about their experiences but I would be happy (if willing) for them to complete the questionnaire and mail it back to me.
I would be available to come and talk with you and potential participants and would very much appreciate any assistance you are able to provide.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.
Best regards.
Mick
Dr Mick Adams
Senior Research Fellow
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
Building 15, Room 320
Edith Cowan University
2 Bradford Street
Mt Lawley WA 6050
Ph: +61 8 9370 6875; Fax: +61 8 9370 6022
Mobile: +61 409646952
Web: http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/HealthInfoNet
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AustralianIndigenousHealthInfoNet
