Environmental health officers' understanding about an Aboriginal environmental health worker program in the Northern Territory

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.