Testing an Indigenous health resource: the participatory development process with The Grog Book

Issue addressed: We describe a process for improving the accessibility and appropriateness of a book designed to stimulate Indigenous community action on alcohol problems. Methods: Using a prototype version of the resource and a loosely structured research protocol, two researchers worked with 16 Aboriginal health and mental health workers in three locations. Results: Participants' responses were analysed, providing research insights to improve aspects of language, structure and presentation, making them relevant and accessible to the target audience. Conclusions: In contrast with the quantitative use of focus groups for preference testing materials with target audiences, this small-scale qualitative ethnographic methodology provided detailed and personalised commentary leading to practical improvements. So what?: Working with potential users helped to ensure that the final version was appropriate to and accessible by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and health workers, whatever their literacy levels.