Week 4. Racism in health system

Deficit Discourse

Disempowering patterns of thought, language, and practice that represent people in terms of deficiencies and failures, focusing responsibility on affected individuals while ignoring socio-economic structures.`

Closing the Gap

A broad initiative in Australia aimed at addressing the disparities in health, education, and employment outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Difference Blindness

The act of ignoring visible differences and pretending not to see race. It downplays the importance of understanding historical contexts and their impact on current health outcomes.

Unconscious Bias

Learned attitudes or stereotypes that exist subconsciously and can involuntarily affect the way we think and act.

Institutional Racism

Systemic practices within institutions that create and maintain disparities between racial groups, often through covert and unintentional policies.

Impact of Institutional Racism on Health

Institutional racism results in disparities in health outcomes, with minority groups receiving lower-quality care due to embedded policies, practices, and attitudes.

Racism and Aboriginal Health Outcomes

Racial discrimination limits access to resources (employment, housing, education) and increases exposure to health risks, contributing to poor mental and physical health.

Strategies to Address Racism

Cultural Safety Training: Ongoing training for healthcare workers.

Zero-Tolerance Policies: Strong policies against racism in healthcare.

Promote Diversity: Encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in the healthcare workforce.

Support Community-Led Solutions: Empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in health initiatives.

Data Collection: Monitor racism incidents in healthcare.

Healing Foundation and Trauma-Aware Practice

Strength-based, culturally safe healing approaches that prioritize the psychological and emotional safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognizing past trauma impacts.

Aboriginal Health and Healthcare System Trust

Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people may distrust healthcare systems due to historical experiences like the Stolen Generations. Efforts to rebuild trust include acknowledging history and ensuring culturally safe practices.

Culturally Secure Health Care

Culturally Competent Workforce: Ensuring healthcare workers understand and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Aboriginal Workforce Participation: Hiring Aboriginal staff to provide culturally appropriate care.

Community Engagement: Ensuring health services meet the specific needs of the community.

Government Policy Impact

The policies that led to the Stolen Generations caused intergenerational trauma, loss of culture, and long-term health impacts. These policies were embedded within governmental practices and continue to affect health outcomes today.

Strategies for Health Providers

Governance: Aboriginal representation in decision-making structures.

Policy Implementation: Coordinated approach between public health and Aboriginal organizations.

Service Delivery: Offering culturally competent care with Aboriginal staff involvement.

Recruitment: Increasing Aboriginal representation in the healthcare workforce.

Financial Accountability: Ensuring transparency in funding and resources for Aboriginal health services.