Aboriginal people may face barriers to accessing healthcare. This contributes to ongoing health inequality.
Surgical care is a highly protocolised and fast-paced service. Patients have limited ability to develop relationships with care providers due to:
- high turnover of theatre lists
- the proportion of time in care spent under anaesthesia.
Use a multifaceted approach to address the cultural, social and health needs of Aboriginal patients in high volume short stay (HVSS) surgical services.
Develop culturally competent care teams
Include Aboriginal healthcare workers, such as Aboriginal health workers or hospital Aboriginal health liaison officers (ALOs). They can help integrate cultural considerations into the patient's care.
Assign a dedicated cultural liaison officer or Aboriginal health worker to HVSS surgical units. They can support communication, provide cultural support and advocate for patients' needs.
Cultural sensitivity in care planning
Ensure that procedures and protocols in HVSS surgical units are culturally sensitive. For example, consider:
- whether an Aboriginal patient requires family involvement
- acknowledging that cultural traditions may influence the preferred timing of surgery
- community and family structures may influence the decision to go ahead with surgery or otherwise
- if the patient prefers, supporting recovery post-discharge on Country and in community, where possible.
Community engagement for feedback
Seek feedback from Aboriginal patients and communities. They can provide advice on how care delivery in the HVSS unit aligns with cultural expectations and preferences, identify areas for improvement and assist in designing targeted interventions. This should include hospital-level engagement and partnerships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs).
Consider surgical pathways and opportunities to enhance access for Aboriginal people.
Trauma-informed care practices
Use trauma-informed care practices in HVSS units and surgical services. Recognise the impact of historical and intergenerational trauma on Aboriginal patients. Adapt care approaches accordingly. In the context of surgical services, this may include:
- prioritising patient cultural safety and sensitivity to potential triggers when scheduling patients and planning theatre lists
- accommodating cultural ceremonies, holidays, family commitments and community events
- considering transport barriers and assisting with travel and care arrangements for family
- providing opportunity for Aboriginal patients to express their concerns and preferences without interruption, judgement or undue time constraints
- actively involving Aboriginal patients in decision-making and care planning processes, including discharge planning and linkage back to community-based services such as ACCHOs.