This unit aims to introduce undergraduate students undertaking a health-related course to the capabilities required to deliver accessible and responsive health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This is achieved through critical reflection on the concept of cultural safety and what this means in relation to the delivery of accessible and responsive healthcare that is free from racism. The individual and Community focus of this unit will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living on the Sovereign Lands of the Kulin Nation, where this unit is delivered.
The unit applies the five cultural capabilities of respect, communication, safety and quality, reflection and advocacy. The unit aims to support students to: 1) recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ way of doing in the context of history, culture and diversity; 2) engage in culturally appropriate, safe and responsive communication that facilitates trust and the building of respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s; 3) apply evidence and strengths based best practice approaches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care that are Country and discipline specific; 4) examine and reflect on how one’s own culture and dominant cultural paradigms, influence perceptions and interactions with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and 5) recognise and advocate for equitable outcomes and social justice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The assessment tasks link the learning outcomes and graduate capabilities. In the test, students will be required to demonstrate their understanding of the historical and ongoing impacts of colonisation on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s. The portfolio will require students to reflect on the cultural self in the context of healthcare and how they will work to reinforce self-determination and self-governance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in health service settings at an individual and community level. Finally, students will work in groups to research a specific health concern, locate a Country-appropriate, self-determined, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led program, and deliver an in-class oral and visual presentation on their findings. Students will be required to demonstrate their individual contribution to the group presentation through in-class monitoring and a formal group charter submission.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):