Reflective practice

7.12 Speech pathologists should develop reflective practice skills so that they learn from each experience with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander client and improve the service they provide with each new client, with the guidance of a mentor.


Reference: Armstrong et al., 2022: Co-design study; Indigenous Allied Health Australia Ltd., 2019: IAHA Framework; McDermott, 2019: Discussion paper

NHMRC level of Evidence: GPP

Rationale: Continuous self-improvement and education, as well as openness to learning from more experienced (non-Indigenous) colleagues and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are vital in order to enhance culturally safe practices (Indigenous Allied Health Australia Ltd., 2019). This process includes building relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues and seeking guidance and feedback, thereby learning from others’ experiences. Speech pathologists are encouraged to ask questions and learn from their experiences with Aboriginal colleagues, as well as clients and their families. Respect and appreciation of Indigenous knowledge systems is key, and a local mentor may be able to help in this respect (Armstrong et al., 2022; McDermott, 2019).

References: 

1. Armstrong , E., Gapany, D., Maypilama, L., Bukulatjpi, Y,. Fasoli, L., Ireland, S., & Lowell, A. (2022). Räl-manapanmirr ga dhä-manapanmirr - Collaborating and connecting: Creating an educational process and multimedia resources to facilitate intercultural communication. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 24(5), 533-546. DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2022.2070670
2. Indigenous Allied Health Australia Ltd. (2019). Cultural responsiveness in action: An IAHA Framework. 3^rd Edition V8. Retrieved from: https://iaha.com.au/workforce-support/training-and-development/cultural-responsiveness-in-action-training/
3. McDermott, D. (2019). arms? International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(3), 252-262, DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1617896