Week 2: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Question 1

What is cultural sensitivity?

Answer 1

Self reflection
what is important to you?
why might a patient be refusing treatment?

Different to everyone

Different cultures = different approaches
treatment is the same, but communication/approach may be different

Goes both ways

Stolen Generations play a big role in cultural sensitivity:
resistance from young people to health care
compliance from older adults
Refusing treatment: scared of being taken away from family, country, water, no one to meet patient at hospital

Question 2

How do you respect a community when you first arrive?

Answer 2

Don’t move the furniture:
learn how things work in the community, it worked before you arrived so don’t try to fight the system without taking your time first

Ask questions:
find out what is important, culture, where to find information and support

Get involved:
become part of the community

Be open to making mistakes:
don't blame others
take necessary steps to rectify problem
apologise
communicate

Question 3

How do you apply appropriate terminology in the clinical setting?

Answer 3

Don’t talk to patients differently just because they are from a different culture
Can maintain professionalism while still talking in a manner which is comfortable to the patient
If you are questioning whether to say something, don’t
Run difficult conversations past a colleague
Advocate for what patient needs

Question 4

What is the role of the Aboriginal Liaison Officer?

Answer 4

• Liaison between non-Indigenous and Indigenous members of the community
• Resource for staff to use when unsure how to proceed
• Reference for people when they are discharged from hospital

Question 5

Include tutorial questions

Answer 5

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