Case Scenario

Historical practices have created a great deal of distrust within Indigenous peoples with regard to the use of hospitals (Best, 2014). Healthcare in Australia is a predominately Westernised system that is permeated by the social norms and expectations defined by white culture (Nielson, 2010). The nursing profession is clearly entrenched in the biomedical model as a by-product of the colonisation process (Best, 2014). Explore how a Primary Health Care approach can facilitate improved health outcomes for Indigenous people within the health care setting. Cultural safety is a key strategy for reducing inequalities in healthcare for Indigenous people.

Assignment Task

1.Discuss the likely barriers to accessing health care for Indigenous Australians from both historical and contemporary perspectives. Consideration may be given to, but not limited to language, cultural worldviews and values, spirituality, traditional healing practices and beliefs, and workplace diversity.
2.Identify the principles of Primary Health Care and discuss how they are applied within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander specific health care settings (Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Sector)
3.With consideration for your answer to No.1 above, critically discuss inclusive practice strategies to promote access to quality health care for Australia’s Indigenous people.