Week 3: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service

Reflective Practice:

Use reflection to consider factors affecting wellbeing: Culture and identity, Family and community connections, Social determinants of health, Past experiences with healthcare + Attitudes and beliefs about health and treatment

Factors Influencing Management Plans:

Cultural beliefs and practices, Communication and language barriers, Family involvement, Health literacy, Access to healthcare services, Financial and transport challenges + Trust in healthcare providers

Personal Safety, Ethics & Effective Service Delivery:

• Personal Safety

  • Follow workplace policies and risk management procedures.

  • Maintain professional boundaries.

• Ethical Practice

  • Respect autonomy and cultural beliefs.

  • Maintain confidentiality.

  • Obtain informed consent.

• Effective Service Delivery

  • Use culturally safe communication.

  • Work collaboratively with patients, families, and communities.

  • Use interpreters and Aboriginal Health Workers where appropriate.

Health Professional Roles, Identity & Interprofessional Practice

• Health Professional Roles:

  • Deliver safe, ethical, evidence-based care.

  • Advocate for patient wellbeing.

  • Support patient participation and empowerment.

• Professional Identity:

  • Understanding your professional role, responsibilities, values, and scope of practice.

• Interprofessional Practice:

  • Healthcare professionals work together with patients and families.

  • Improves communication, safety, efficiency, and health outcomes.

Autonomy:

• • Respect a person's right to make their own decisions.

  • Support informed choice and consent.

• Example: A patient chooses whether to accept or refuse treatment.

Beneficence:

• Act in the patient's best interests.

• Promote health, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.

• Example: Recommending the most effective treatment.

Non-Maleficence:

• "Do no harm."

• Avoid actions that may cause unnecessary harm or risk.

• Example: Ensuring treatment is safe before providing it.

Justice:

• Treat people fairly and equitably.

• Ensure equal access to healthcare resources and services.

• Example: Providing care based on need, not personal characteristics.

Example Case: Scenario - A patient refuses a recommended treatment.

• Ethical Principles

  • Autonomy: Respect the patient's decision.

  • Beneficence: Explain how treatment may help.

  • Non-maleficence: Explain risks of refusing treatment.

• Response

• Ensure the patient understands the information, then respect their informed decision.