Cultural Safety Audit Artwork by Doris Glasson Aunty Coke : Muguwarbang Peaceful and quiet (2014)
Cultural Safety Audit Why us? Why now? What did we do? What did we learn?
Cultural Safety Cultural Safety has been defined as patient care in an environment that is spiritually, socially and emotionally safe, as well as physically safe for people; where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need. It is about shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience of learning together (Bin-Sallik, M. cited in Australasian College for Emergency Medicine- Statement: March, 2015).
Cultural Competency Cultural Competency is defined as a set of attitudes, skills and knowledge that allow an individual to interact effectively in cross-cultural situations. It requires a medical practitioner to continue to undertake a process of reflection on their own cultural identity and recognise the impact their culture has on their own medical practice. (RACP: 2004)
An greater understanding of Cultural Safety and Cultural Competency provided important guidance for Calvary Mater Newcastle in pursuing our commitment to enhance service provision and health outcomes to patients from both Aboriginal and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
What we knew.. Within NSW there are people or communities who have a higher risk of cancers and experience poorer cancer-related health outcomes. NSW Cancer Plan Aboriginal communities have a higher incidence of cancer (461 per 100,000 compared with 434 per 100,000) and Aboriginal people are more likely to die from cancer than non-aboriginal people (252 per 100,000 compared with 172 per 100,000).
What we knew.. Aboriginal communities also have a higher prevalence of cancer-related risk factors. Compared with non-aboriginal peoples, Aboriginal peoples may be less likely to access cancer screening services, use support and treatment services and, as a result, may also experience poorer outcomes during and after cancer treatment.
Partnering with Consumers Standard 2: The National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards set out requirements for involving consumers in Safety and Quality in Health Care. The people most able or equipped to provide a culturally safe atmosphere are people from the same culture (Aust. NZ J Public Health, 1999:213).
Method A project officer and a representative steering committee of employees, external organisations, community members and senior CMN staff. Questionnaires developed: patients and families, workers Identification of Participants (not inpatients): local Aboriginal organisations consulted Interviews off-site
Perceptions Calvary Mater Newcastle is seen to be White, Private and Catholic, Where people die We had some work to do.
Findings.. Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer Employee numbers Shared wards Family support Accommodation Physical environment of CMN Cultural commitment Cultural education Financial burden Aboriginal volunteers program Artwork by Doris Glasson Aunty Coke - Miyan Carer, one that provides and cares for another (2014)
Recommendations The employment of a fulltime Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer The setting of employment targets for Aboriginal employees to increase employee ratios at CMN. Consideration of cultural issues in bed placement wherever possible. Facilitate for Aboriginal patients to have family stay overnight with them The development of a policy to allow children to stay in on-site accommodation under special circumstances
Recommendations Work towards a more culturally appealing physical environment for Aboriginal patients and their families Participation in recognition activities such as Smoking Ceremonies, Sorry Day, NAIDOC Week, and Reconciliation Week. Develop a specific webpage for staff providing information about Aboriginal services and customs and appropriate behaviour when working with Aboriginal patients. Discuss option of voucher system for food and/or parking for families from out of area who are visiting for significant periods of time and/or determined to be in need. Develop an Aboriginal volunteers program specifically for Aboriginal patients from out of area