Abstract
Objective: To explore environmental health officers' (EHOs) perception that a program to train Aboriginal people as environmental health workers in 10 remote Northern Territory communities was not operating well.
Method: Phenomenography, an approach within the qualitative domain, was used to explore 15 EHOs' understanding about the program during 1996-97. Respondents came from four of the Territory's five operational districts.
Results: Respondents were unclear about worker roles and responsibilities within the program. Perceptions about their own skills as trainers in a cross-cultural context inhibited their abilities to support the program effectively.
Conclusions: Addressing the support, orientation and professional development needs of EHOs will enhance program effectiveness.
Implications: Support staff should be adequately prepared and trained before a new program is commenced.
Method: Phenomenography, an approach within the qualitative domain, was used to explore 15 EHOs' understanding about the program during 1996-97. Respondents came from four of the Territory's five operational districts.
Results: Respondents were unclear about worker roles and responsibilities within the program. Perceptions about their own skills as trainers in a cross-cultural context inhibited their abilities to support the program effectively.
Conclusions: Addressing the support, orientation and professional development needs of EHOs will enhance program effectiveness.
Implications: Support staff should be adequately prepared and trained before a new program is commenced.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 93-94 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health |
| Volume | 23 |
| DOIs |
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| Publication status | Published - 1999 |