Question

1. What impact might your own culture have on Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people’s engagement with the services within your workplace? You may refer to specific workplace procedures and/or codes of practice already implemented. Present your answer in no more than 500 words.

Answer 1

Impact of worker's culture on Aboriginal and Torres islander's engagement with the services:

Aboriginal means people, who were living in a land before colonization by the Europeans . Here the word ' Aboriginal' is pertaining to Australian Aboriginal peoples . Torres Strait Islanders are the indigenous people from the islands or stait between Australia and new Guinea. When we are working in the region where the health services are mainly meant for Aboriginal and Torres islanders, there should be a special care , that the our own culture may affect the communication with the Indigenous population. Our cultural practices may send a miscommunication to the people. For example: calling the names by adding certainl honorary prefix, such as Mr. M , is a western practice. But for the Aboriginal and Torres strait islanders , it is an indication of Disrespect.  

Some of the areas that may affected by the workers' culture when working with Aboriginal and Torres islanders:

Communication: Workers' verbal and non verbal languages can affect the communication with the Aboriginal and Torres islanders. They may not use English as their first language. Certain body languages are appropriate for our culture, but may not be appropriate for them. Showing annoyance with our body language may notice by them and it may affect the care delivery.  

Eye contact: Western culture cultivate Eye to eye contact to establish a strong communication or relationship. But for Aboriginal and Torres islanders, looking into their eyes while speaking to them is rude and agressive. They may not prefer it.

Shame : The worker's culture may not have an expressed shame in asking private questions etc. But the Aboriginal and Torres islanders may have shame in discussing the personal or private matters or details in public . Asking private questions publicly may not appreciate by them and it may impact the rapport with the client.  

Questioning: Questioning method of worker's culture may not to be appreciated by the Islanders or Aboriginals. Direct questioning may discourage the participation of the client and mau lead to misunderstanding.  

Workers have to have an understanding about how their own culture affects the Aboriginal and Torres islanders' engagement with the services.  

Specific workplace procedures, that are already implemented:

* Respect and value their ( Aboriginal, Torres strait) culture.

* Know their culture, practices, health beliefs and traditions.

* Health care providers should introduce themselves warmly

* Make use of an interpreter or a staff from their community to facilitate the communication.

Don't mimic their language.  

* Don't call the names of the person , instead use or add titles. Example : Aunty or uncle

* Ask permission before touching the person and always keep a personal space .

* Most of the Aboriginals and Torres islanders are uncomfortable with direct eye contact.  

* Use indirect but simple questions, Give clear instructions to audience.

* Participate them and let them also engage in decision making process and ask their opinion about plan of care .