Ms Marta Mlot1
1SA Health – Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
Abstract:
This social work-led project sought to identify and consolidate evidence-based frameworks to support the implementation of culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients of a newly built mental health rehabilitation unit on Kaurna land, using implementation science to embed. While the unit employs Aboriginal Health Practitioners, all health professionals are responsible for and should be trained in ways to provide culturally appropriate healthcare.
With focus given to decolonising and “de-clinicalising" language the service improvement includes resources and training for staff to undertake to enhance cultural competence and safety. The principles of Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing and critical allyship were used as a guiding frameworks for achieving Indigenous health equity.
Clinical Yarning was selected as the core communication training program for non-Indigenous staff to enhance clinical communication to enable effective mental health rehabilitation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers, and their families and carers.
This project was driven by non-Indigenous social workers working in close collaboration with Aboriginal Health experts, highlighting the effectiveness of allyship methodology. Evidence translation was underpinned by consolidation of existing knowledge about best practice in mental health rehabilitation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by review of existing literature and resources. Review was guided by decolonising methodology and prioritisation of knowledge shared by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The presentation will present the service improvement outcomes, and its theoretical underpinnings assessed against the SALHN Aboriginal Culturally Safe Care Environment Services Audit Tool, and preliminary feedback from consumers and staff.