This unit aims to introduce students undertaking a health-related course to the capabilities required to deliver culturally safe health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by critically reflecting on the concept of cultural safety to deliver safe, accessible and responsive healthcare that is free from racism. The unit applies the five cultural capabilities of respect, communication, safety and quality, reflection and advocacy with the aim to: recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ way of doing in the context of history, culture and diversity; engage in culturally appropriate, safe and sensitive communication that facilitates trust and the building of respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; apply evidence and strengths based best practice approaches in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care; 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 to recognise that the whole health system is responsible for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The assessment tasks link the learning outcomes and graduate capabilities. Assessment 1, students will work in small groups (approximately 4-5 students) to analyse the historical contexts that have impacted on the contemporary health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and then present this as a group essay. In Assessment 2 students will work independently to write a 750-word essay to understanding of the cultural capability of Respect and the cultural self in the context of healthcare. In Assessment 3 students will work independently on a case study and present this work as an essay. In Assessment 4 students will work in groups to research a specific health issue and develop a culturally appropriate health resource and present this as a video.
Required readings will be made available on VU Collaborate.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):