First Nations Perinatal Health

You will begin to develop the knowledge and skills required to work effectively and safely with Australian First Nations people in the healthcare environment. You will explore key features and concepts related to traditional and contemporary First Nations cultures and communities; multi- dimensional models of First Nations health and healing; and the underlying social determinants influencing current health outcomes, including historical and cultural factors. You will also explore concepts related to health inequality, reflect on the responsibility of the whole health system in improving First Nations health outcomes, and consider how culturally safe midwifery practice can contribute to closing the gap.

• Understand the key features of First Nations culture and Australian history and apply an understanding of diversity within the First Nations population to person-centred care.
• Discover First Nations concepts of health and healing, and analyse how interconnected physical, social, historical, political and cultural factors impact on health outcomes.
• Learn the meaning of 'cultural safety' in relation to improving health outcomes for First Nations people and critically analyse how it influences effective midwifery practices.
• Engage in culturally appropriate communication that facilitates respectful therapeutic relationships, and supports effective partnerships with First Nations health professionals, organisations and communities.
• Outline the concepts of health inequality, the factors that contribute to it, and ways of redressing it to close the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians.