Replanting the Birthing Trees to Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Parents and Babies: Protocol for developmental evaluation of a comprehensive culturally responsive, trauma-aware, healing-informed, continuity of care(r) model
Authors: Chamberlain Catherine , Sundbery Jacqui , Segal Leonie , Krakouer Jacynta , Langton Marcia , Donnelly Jillian , Kotz Jayne , McEvoy Ellen , Lyon Maddy , Mucabel-Bue Neve , Karahalios Emily , Gray Paul , Gnanamanickam Emmanuel , Atkinson Caroline , Jones Kim A , Henderson Helen , Herrman Helen , Karkavandi Maedeh Aboutalebi , Elliott Alison , Bundle Gina , Walker Roz , Ratajczak Trish , Kelly Bridgette , Andrews Shawana , Fergie Doseena , Walker Susan , Davis Erin , Atkinson Judy , McLachlan Helen , McCalman Pamela , Forster Della , Bowman Deb , Bright Tess , Skouteris Helen , Stewart Skye , Henry Storm , Smith Kristen , Paul Campbell , Canuto Kootsy , Fisher Jane , Reynolds Kate , Reppington Phillippa , Priest Naomi , Kendall Sally , Reibel Tracy , Andrews Julie , Carmody Dave , Lipscomb Adrienne , Bell Maddison , Parry Christine , Russ Vanessa , Onwuka Shakira R , Marriott Rhonda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience intergenerational trauma as a legacy of the impacts of colonisation. Replanting the Birthing Trees (RBT) aims to transform compounding cycles of intergenerational trauma and harm to positively reinforcing cycles of intergenerational nurturing and recovery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents and babies. This paper describes the protocol for developmental evaluation of the culturally responsive, trauma-aware, healing-informed, continuity of care(r) model to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander parents during the first 2000 days (pregnancy, birth and the first five years after birth).
Methods
The RBT project will be conducted in partnership with seven health services across Victoria (Royal Women’s Hospital and Mercy Hospital for Women) and Western Australia (WA) (Armadale Hospital, Western Australian Country Health Service (Northam, Narrogin, Moora and Merredin)), Australia. The RBT project consists of five workstreams: a resource repository including support framework; culturally validated sensitive enquiry tools; workforce development and training; continuity of care(r) toolkit; and strategies to support families to stay together from the start. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) informs implementation strategies. Acceptability, feasibility, costs and effectiveness will be evaluated using mixed methods analysis of qualitative and quantitative data, collected using key stakeholder interviews; parent and service provider discussion groups and interviews; cost audit; knowledge attitude and practice surveys; pre and post implementation outcome data; interrupted time series analysis of routinely collected administrative linked data; and co-design workshops.
Competitive funding and human research ethics committee approval were assessed against Indigenous research excellence criteria with protocols to ensure the cultural and emotional safety of participants and communities.
Discussion
Participatory action research approaches are used to foster reflective cycles on data within the research process. Findings will be shared in project newsletters, plain language summaries, presentations and publications.