Dr Michelle Jones1, Mr Luke Cantley2, Ms Donna Quinn1, Ms Jasmine Bishop2, Dr Stacey George3, Ms Toni Shearing3, Ms Marion Champion3
1University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia, 2Flinders University, Bedford Park, Australia, 3NALHN, SA Health, Elizabeth Vale, Australia
Biography:
Dr Michelle Jones is an experienced and innovative social work researcher, educator and practitioner who is committed to social justice, continuous learning and research knowledge translation. She is student-centred and committed to developing work-ready graduates reflecting her career traversing both industry and the academy. Before returning to the academy in 2017, Michelle worked as a research evaluator for SA Health and Correctional Services evaluating their public health, childhood obesity prevention and offender programs, respectively. She also worked as a social worker in women's health for Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service and Pregnancy Advisory Centre.
Abstract:
Aboriginal health consumers stories are rarely shared within Australian health systems. Racism is a barrier to accessing health services and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal health consumers. To improve health service outcomes, feedback from Aboriginal health consumers was sought on social work practice improvements within the confines of the hospital. Interpretive sequential qualitative research methods were adopted. Focus group interviews (n=2) were held with hospital social work practitioners (n=17) and yarning circles (n=4) with Aboriginal health consumers (n=5). Thematic analysis undertaken by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers found Aboriginal health consumers raised concerns about stereotypes associated with social work, and the importance of establishing a connection through finding out about Nation/Groups and family networks. Consumers requested engagement with family and recognition of current personal circumstances, not past. Social workers were aware of their privilege and the impacts of colonisation on their practice yet were unsure ‘how’ to put the knowledge they have into practice in the hospital setting. Constraints from the hospital environment were found to limit social workers ability to offer brief, timely, relational, culturally safe, trauma-informed social work practice to Aboriginal health consumers. This study identified the need for the creation of a ‘third space’ within the hospital. A space where Aboriginal health consumers and social workers can come together and challenge taken for granted Anglo-Celtic assumptions, providing for the development of relational, culturally safe, trauma-informed social work practice. With input from Aboriginal social and health workers, and consumers several changes were made to Social Work practices and environment.