Introduction:
Disparities in health outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples have been recognised as a priority Internationally. Australia is failing to meet the target of closing the life expectancy gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians within a generation. Culturally Safe healthcare services will contribute to reducing this health inequity, which requires embedding Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and experiences into health curricula and ensuring health profession graduates are prepared to practice Cultural Safety.
Objectives:
To explore Australian occupational therapy students’ perceptions about their capability to provide Cultural Safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and the impact of a tertiary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ wellbeing practice course.
Methods:
Concurrent, mixed methods research design was used. Data was collected using the Cultural Capability Measurement Tool (West et al., 2021) pre-post intervention (participation in the course). Semi-structured interview post intervention provided qualitative data and will be analysed with narrative analysis. Data analysis has commenced and will be completed prior to Conference.
Practice implications:
Outcomes from this research will inform future directions for embedding Indigenous knowledges, perspectives and experiences in tertiary curricula and empowering Occupational Therapy students to practice Cultural Safety.
Conclusion:
The provision of Culturally Safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples is a priority in Australia and will improve health equity. Results from this research will inform the continued development of tertiary curricula to prepare healthcare professionals to practice Cultural Safety.