An insight into cross cultural communication strategies in health

Abstract

This research study looked into what strategies were implemented in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services (ATSIHSs) to decrease the communication barriers between health professionals and Aboriginal people. Historically, the lines of communication between Aboriginal people and health professionals have been misunderstood through mistrust and miscommunication and the need to undertake appropriate cultural awareness and sensitivity training. Miscommunication has and continues to lead to misdiagnosis of health issues that carry severe repercussions for the Aboriginal people with longevity far below that of their non - Aboriginal counterparts. The data was gathered from four ATSIHSs by holding focus groups in South East Queensland. The research revealed that 17 strategies were successfully implemented by the four ATSIHSs with very good results. Findings and recommendations by way of a report will be disseminated throughout health organisations. Qualitative research methods were used by utilising interpretivist and constructivists modes followed by thematic analysis. While the sampling area was small and the strategies used were successful in improving communication between health professionals and Aboriginal clients, there is no evidence to suggest that they are being used widely. However, further research is warranted and if the findings show that they are not being utilised their implementation would have the potential to improve communications.