Cross cultural competence training

7.3 Speech pathologists should engage in training and other activities to develop interpersonal skills and reflective practices for examining cultural safety and anti-racism with particular reference to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

References: Indigenous Allied Health Australia, 2019: IAHA Framework; Humphrey, 2001: Discussion paper; Mayes, 2020: Discussion paper; Dermott, 2019: Discussion paper

NHMRC Levels of Evidence - GPP

Rationale: Engaging in training opportunities (e.g., cultural safety training; Indigenous Allied Health Australia, 2019) and developing reflective practices can support speech pathologists in examining racism and bias in their work and workplaces (Mayes, 2020), as well as within the speech pathology evidence base (Humphery, 2001). Non-Indigenous speech pathologists are encouraged to yarn with and learn from Aboriginal colleagues (see statement 7.8), to be active in their intercultural learning, and to critically examine current policies and practices so that services offered and practices delivered are respectful of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander worldviews, ways of being, knowing, and doing (McDermott, 2019).

 References:

1. 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/
2. Humphery, K. (2001). Dirty questions: Indigenous health and “Western Research”. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 25(3), 197-202. DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-842X.2001.tb00563.x
3. Mayes, C. (2020). White medicine, white ethics: On the historical formation of racism in Australian Healthcare. Journal of Australian Studies, 44(3), 287-302. DOI: 10/1080/14443058.2020.1796754
4. McDermott, D. (2019). arms? International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 21(3), 252-262, DOI: 10.1080/17549507.2019.1617896

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ experiences are likely to be different from non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians’ in terms of access to health services, manifestations of the disorder, people’s construction of the problem and acceptance of treatment modalities due to cultural differences (Ariotti, 1999). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander concepts of ‘health’ differ from a Western view (Maher, 1999).   Cultural and spiritual components of wellbeing are as important as physical considerations in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander view of health.  It follows then, that the view of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Australians on ill health and disability will likewise be influenced by cultural, spiritual and physical components.  This view encompasses the tenets that make up culture and identity and includes responsibility to and interconnectedness with family, community and country.  Contextual family and community background information is increasingly recognized as crucial in shaping ACD interventions when communication and social re-integration are desired outcomes (Kagan et al., 2008; Gordon, Ellis-Hill & Ashburn, 2008; Howe, Worrall & Hickson, 2008). This is especially relevant in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander context when the therapist is likely to be non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and unfamiliar with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander world views, priorities, taboos, ways of relating to others and verbal and non-verbal self-expression. 

RESOURCES:

• Access information on Aboriginal health through the website of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO)