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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing unit (HGA246)

Introduction

This unit explores how historical, cultural and social elements, as well as previous and contemporary policy frameworks, shape the health and wellbeing of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Cultural safety, self-determination and collaboration are central concepts within this unit. You will have the opportunity to explore your own cultural beliefs, values and attitudes, and the influence these may have on health care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You will also engage in activities that strengthen self-awareness and reflection, and which promote your capacity to demonstrate sensitivity, awareness and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in the context of providing culturally safe health care. This unit will equip you to become a health professional who can advocate for improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Summary

Unit name Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health and Wellbeing
Unit code HGA246
Credit points 12.5
College/School Arts and Society
Humanities and Social Sciences
Discipline Sociology and Criminology
Coordinator Mr Duncan Robinson
Available as an elective? No
Delivered By University of Tasmania
Level Intermediate

Sustainable Development Goals

The Unit Coordinator has identified that this unit aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on the alignment of the unit with these goals.

Availability

Specific information on 2027 unit availability will be available in August

Learning Outcomes

  • Identify the historical, social and cultural determinants of health as they relate to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Discuss the health services, workforce, policy and political issues that impact on culturally safe health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
  • Reflect upon your own cultural beliefs, values and attitudes, and the influence these may have on providing health care with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
  • Distinguish and analyse how to provide culturally safe health care for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at individual and organisational levels
  • Communicate effectively and respectfully in a professional manner and adhere to academic written requirements.

Fee Information

2027 fee information will be available in August.

Requisites

Prerequisites

Admission to: 53G, 53H, 53I, H3N, H3O

Teaching

Teaching Pattern

Semester:

9 weekly workshops (2 hours each).

Weekly online content and readings.

Summer:

2 x 3 hour workshops over three weeks.

Weekly online content and readings.

AssessmentOnline Quizzes (10%)|Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service Report (40%)|Reflective Essay (50%)
TimetableView the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required

Please see UTAS Library Reading List via MyLO.

Recommended

Texts

Best, O. (2017). ‘Yatdjuligin’ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nursing and Midwifery Care. CUP. (e-book).  

Dudgeon, P., Milroy, H., Walker, R. (2014). 'Working together: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and wellbeing principles and practice. (ebook). 

Taylor, K. (2019).¿Health care and indigenous Australians: Cultural safety in practice, Red Globe Press.  

Wepa, D. (2015). Cultural Safety in Aotearoa New Zealand 2nd Ed. [ebook] 

Taylor, K. (2019).¿Health care and indigenous Australians: Cultural safety in practice. Red Globe Press.  

Fogarty, W. et al. (2018). Deficit discourse and strengths-based approaches: changing the narrative of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. [ebook] 

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