Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401349

Coordinator Renae Coleman Opens in new window

Description This unit will specifically enable students to investigate, discuss and develop an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' sense of identity, culture, and health. Health statistics, as well as historical and contemporary practice issues will be identified. In addition, the unit will explore strategies that have been implemented to address inequities in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. Further, the unit promotes the development of critical knowledge essential for students to understand their own values, beliefs, biases, and perceptions to become culturally sensitive and appropriately adaptable when meeting the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families.

School Nursing & Midwifery

Discipline Midwifery

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 1 10cp

Check your HECS Band contribution amount via the Fees page.

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in 4775 Graduate Diploma in Midwifery.

Assumed Knowledge

Foundation knowledge related to primary health care and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and primary health care, during Bachelor of Nursing or Registered Nurse educational programs.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Describe the impact of historical events and government policies on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
2. Recognise and appreciate the health-related risk factors and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies
3. Explain sense of identity, spiritual connection to country and traditional practices and describe how these can be incorporated into practice.
4. Identify effective strategies for health promotion and health maintenance for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
5. Explain the importance of cultural safety and culturally appropriate care and service provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
6. Apply critical reflection on own values and attitudes towards cultural safety and the provision of health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Subject Content

1. Meaning of health and illness
- Values, belief systems, attitudes, bias, cultural safety and practices in the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- Definitions of culture from the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Health status of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies
2. Social determinants of health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
- Historical events and health care policies - relate the impact it has had on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternal and infant health
- Cultural isolation, Poverty, Discrimination ? social and institutional
3. Health care policies and service provision
- Closing the gap
4. Ethical care in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations
- Birthing on Country
- Models, theories and cultural care
- Working in partnership
- NMBA Midwife standards for practice
5. Culturally appropriate care and service provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait families