Therefore, the western medical model of health does not meet the Indigenous needs. Indigenous health is focused on emotional, cultural and physical well being of whole community. In which they will impact upon the way in which Indigenous people interact with health care providers. Cultural barriers has reduced the ability for indigenous to participate or access in health care (Thackrah & Scott,2010). There are many factors that contribute to the health of Indigenous Australians.
Cultural competence is obtaining cultural information and then applying that knowledge. This cultural awareness allows you to see the entire picture and improves the quality of care and health outcomes. Adapting to different cultural beliefs and practices requires flexibility and a respect for others view points. Cultural competence means to really listen to the patient, to find out and learn about the patient’s beliefs of health and illness (Salisbury, 2006). To provide culturally appropriate care we need to know and to understand culturally influenced health behaviors.
Faculty should exist in an environment where they feel comfortable approaching other staff members for assistance in employing and applying Aboriginal practices and history (Solei, 60). Also, being aware of local Aboriginal leaders or community members who might be available for consultation or public speaking could be extremely beneficial (Solei, 62). The indigenization of the curriculum can be made possible by the implementation of and focus on Native Storytelling. The benefits of storytelling are
Self awareness contributes one’s understanding of the nature and construction of cultural identity. Awareness of cultural background also shapes one’s values and beliefs which in turn influences one’s health beliefs and practices. Therefore the “cultural awareness” stage comprises an essential first stage in the process of achieving cultural competence .It is impossible to become culturally sensitive and ultimately competent, unless one goes through this stage. The second stage is Cultural Knowledge .It can be attained in a number of ways. Meaningful contact with people from different ethnic groups can enhance knowledge about health beliefs and behaviors and increase the understanding of problems they encounter.
This is essential for people working within health and social care as it improves clinical practice. (Ghaye et al 2000). The development of reflective practice is the responsibility of the individual professional. In order to make their practice as reflective as possible, it is important
Therefore, if the ethical code is followed by healthcare professionals, patient and/or family members can develop confidence in their standard of care. Representation of ethical code by healthcare professionals develops patient/family confidence and provides a positive community identity. How does the organization reflect ownership and practice of ethical standards? When ethical code is written well for interpretation, employees can better apply and practice. More importantly, the organization should provide training sessions to employees to enhance their comprehension of the ethical code and values within the entity.
Other policies attempted to ‘breed-out’ Indigenous Australians by pairing an Indiginous individual with a white partner. These ‘half-castes’ where again viewed as inferior and often removed from government reserves and discouraged from interacting with Indigenous people, including their parents, in an attempt to remove the Indigenous culture from the general populace. These policies have created an enormous effect on the Indiginous experience of health. It has led to the loss of culture and identity to an entire generation of Indigenous people and therefore a severe lack of understanding of health amongst those affected. Further, many Indiginous Australians today still have deep seeded mistrust of Western medicine because of these historical factors.
Cultural Views on Health HCA 230 Cultural Views on Health Culture refers to a series of values, regulations, and traditions common by a group of people. Cultural beliefs indicate how members ought to act, what positions they are likely to take part in, and how different procedures and proceedings should be understood. Cultural differences are not merely an exercise in curiosity, but an important condition for working in the direction of superior health throughout humanity. As a mutually supporting society, it is of the essence to understand the viewpoints of people who may be different. In a study done on newborn care practices in underprivileged and countryside areas of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, all reports pointed to religious and cultural barriers to looking for care in addition to inadequate public information about the importance of health care and acknowledgment of maternal and newborn danger signs (Syed, Nhadka, & Wall, 2008) .
Principles of support is vital to a successful health and social care setting. What does the term principles mean? 'Principles' can be described as 'moral rule - guiding behavior', 'consistent regulation of behavior according to moral law', 'to impress with a doctrine','a constituent part', 'a fundamental' In the social care context, they have evolved from sets of values, which over time, have been recognised as having intrinsic worth and goodness (http://www.understandingindividualneeds.com/page.php?identity=principles). Support is necessary as this is part of what makes health and social care settings successful. Good support services are one of the determining factors for individuals to choose the right health and support services.
Other examples include what is acceptable behaviour for each patient. Indigenous Australian communities have very strong beliefs when it comes to respect, and more importantly disrespect. It is expected among Aborigines in their communities that are respectful to elders and children (Eckermann et al. 2006). If whilst receiving health care an Indigenous patient may find behaviour that a nurse doesn’t intentionally display very disrespectful.