Closing the Feedback Loop: Improving Communication of Findings With Aboriginal Research Participants Through Participatory Action Research.

backgroundCommunication of research findings often lacks appropriately tailored messaging to meet participants' expectations and needs. Guidelines for communicating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples exist but are not widely applied in practice. An April 2024 workshop with 29 Aboriginal advisors explored barriers, enablers and mitigation strategies for locally adapting an evidence-based Healthy Lifestyle Program. A book was recommended as a culturally appropriate mode to share workshop findings with participants. This study explored Aboriginal Elders' experiences of receiving study findings, guidance for researchers and produced a user-friendly book reporting the cultural and place-based program considerations.

methodsParticipatory action research guided the co-creation of the book. Nine Elders from the Healthy Lifestyle Program Cultural Advisory Group, who had participated in the April 2024 workshop, took part in the June 2025 workshop. An Aboriginal facilitator conducted the workshop, supported by three non-Aboriginal researchers. Previous workshop findings were summarised. The workshop was audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The Cultural Advisory Group were involved throughout the research and book development.

findingsAn overarching theme of knowledge sharing across research partnerships, communities and families connects the two themes identified. Working in partnership outlines the need for Aboriginal participants' contexts and lived realities to be recognised by researchers, and the group's previous and current research experiences. Leaving a legacy highlights the importance of the book as a lasting record, incorporating artwork and multiple formats to broaden accessibility and reach to diverse audiences, including younger generations, ensuring that community voices and values continue to guide research.

conclusionPrioritising Aboriginal and community voice in communicating findings is critical to genuine partnership in research. Consumer and community involvement within participatory action research is important to effectively implement unique research recommendations. Through this work, a book was co-created, hard copies were made available to the April 2024 participants, and an online version is available. Future research recommendations are provided. Practical tips are also provided to support researchers in building trust and collaborating effectively with Aboriginal participants/community members. LIVED EXPERIENCE OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: An established Cultural Advisory Group (10 Aboriginal Elders) were involved throughout the research using a participatory action research approach, embedding consumer and community involvement. In their advisory role, the Elders guided key decisions, including endorsing the development of the book to report findings from the April 2024 workshop. The group reviewed the study findings and co-created the book with the research team. Three Elders were nominated for additional oversight, with two reviewing the final manuscript and book, and one reviewing the book's Acknowledgement of Country. This work was also supported by a representative consumer organisation, Health Consumers' Council WA.