Towards a best practice framework for eHealth with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples — important characteristics of eHealth interventions: a narrative review

Abstract

Summary This narrative review discusses the important characteristics of electronic health (eHealth) interventions and critiques the cultural quality of eHealth research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Thirty‐nine publications reporting on a variety of eHealth modalities to address health challenges with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were identified. Content analysis signified authentic co‐design, governance and strong partnerships as foundational qualities of eHealth interventions that are culturally safe and sustainable. The pragmatics of eHealth setting, content and engagement must be underscored by trust, responsiveness and cultural values. The application of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Quality Appraisal Tool (QAT) revealed higher scores for studies with two or more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors. This narrative review is fundamental to the development of a best practice framework for eHealth interventions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that are culturally safe, sustainable and effective. With a foundation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander governance with strong partnerships for authentic co‐design, eHealth interventions are more likely to meet the priorities and values of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities for which they are intended.