The third practice principle is to provide information or training to all personnel to enable the provision of culturally safe palliative care to Aboriginal peoples. [1]
Consider the following:
- All healthcare staff, including non direct care workers, should complete cultural safety training [1]
- Non-Indigenous Australians must increase their knowledge and understanding of the correlation between historical events, political agendas, economics and ill health
- Building workplace relationships and partnerships with Aboriginal Health workers/ indigenous liaison officers to enhance the practical knowledge of staff in regard to providing culturally safe care [2]
- Sourcing culturally appropriate education materials
- The Centre for Cultural Competence Australia provides training and development to individuals and organisations in the field of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Competence
- Closing the gap in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians is currently a key priority within Australia. [3]
Thinking Points
- What resources are available to support health professionals to maintain a culturally safe environment when caring for Aboriginal people?
- How do you determine if the care you are providing is culturally safe?
References
- Commonwealth of Australia. (2004). Providing culturally appropriate palliative care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples: Resource Kit. Retrieved 9 December 2011, from www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/palliativecare-pubs-indig-resource.htm
- Queensland Government. (2011). Sad news, sorry business. Guidelines for caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through death and dying. Retrieved 9 December 2011, from www.health.qld.gov.au/atsihealth/documents/sorry_business.pdf
- Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. (2011). Closing the gap. Retrieved 9 December 2011, from www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/closing-the-gap