2. Culturally safe health care

Question 1

Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication:

Answer 1

• English may be their third or forth language
• Past policies and experiences may make them mistrust western systems
• Patient does not feel that they or their culture is being respected
• culture and kinship are important

Question 2

Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication:

- English may not be their first language

Answer 2

­- English may be the third or fourth language for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, so they struggle to communicate

Question 3

Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication:

• past policies and experiences
• distrust all western systems

Answer 3

• Due to the effect of past policies and experiences such as marginalisation, racism and prejudice, Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders may distrust all western systems, including the health care system and health care practitioners.
• They may experience fear or shame and will be unwilling to access health services.

Question 4

Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication:

- patient does not feel that they or their culture is being respected

Answer 4

• Past health care experiences, where the patient does not feel that they or their culture is being respected will prevent them from coming back

Question 5

Barriers to effective cross-cultural communication:

- Culture and kinship

Answer 5

• Culture and kinship are important to Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.
• Not understanding the family or community relationships can impede communication

Question 6

Cultural safety in cross-cultural communication:

Answer 6

By delivering care that is culturally safe, Luke will feel that his cultural beliefs and values were respected
Cultural awareness and sensitivity should be incorporated in the care by being aware of the differences between people and acknowledging these differences in the care provision

Question 7

How culturally safe health care can be delivered to Luke?

Answer 7

• Even though Luke is of Aboriginal decent, I will not make assumptions about his English proficiency.
• Engage in conversation and ask questions to learn about his background, family, culture and what’s important to him.
• Even if an interpreter is not needed, I will speak clearly and in a gentle voice, clarifying things on the way to make sure we both understand each other.
• Respectful of Luke’s opinions and beliefs and deliver care which is holistic, free of bias and racism
• Person-centred approach by focusing on Luke’s individual needs and sharing the decision-making process