Occupational therapy at the ‘cultural interface’: Lessons from research with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

Yvonne Thomas · Marion Alexandra Gray · Sue McGinty

25 citations0/0 files storedAustralian Occupational Therapy Journal

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Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights Occupational Therapy Practice and Research Cultural Competency in Health Care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: In 2008, the Council of Australian Governments announced its goals to improve Indigenous life expectancy, health, education and employment: 'Closing the Gap' (Commonwealth of Australia, 2008). Internationally, occupational therapists seek to promote social justice and human rights through occupation. Despite this effort, Australian occupational therapists have largely remained silent in response to the national agenda of closing the gap in Indigenous health. METHODS: This article identifies the challenges of research and practice at the 'cultural interface', the juncture where Western knowledge meets the Indigenous knowledge of our clients. The article draws on the first author's research experience with Indigenous peoples. Through a process of reflection on the challenges highlighted by research at the cultural interface, this article identifies a range of professional processes used to negotiate differing and conflicting perspectives. RESULTS: By comparing the research context with occupational therapy practice, the author identifies some of the actions and supports that can be used by occupational therapists to provide culturally appropriate and negotiated interventions with Indigenous people. CONCLUSIONS: Although a number of individual occupational therapists work with Indigenous communities and individuals to improve the services offered, it is suggested that the occupational therapy profession needs to work together towards closing the gap. The development of special interest groups, professional networks and a National Position Statement on Indigenous Health would provide the background to developing guidelines for practice with Indigenous clients.

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2008Closing the gap in a generation: health equity through action on the social determinants of health 2000Decolonising Methodologies Research and Indigenous Peoples 2007The Cultural Interface 2009Closing the gap on Indigenous disadvantage: the challenge for Australia 2003Setting the rules: the development of the NHMRC guidelines on ethical matters in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health research.2007Health professional partnerships and their impact on Aboriginal health: An occupational therapist's and Aboriginal health worker's perspective 2009Learning from the past, looking to the future: Exploring our place with Indigenous Australians 2007Utilising the Concept of Pathway as a Framework for Indigenous Research

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