TM5510:03
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
September block mode.
Staff: Assoc. Professor J Elston (Coordinator).
This subject introduces students to the social, cultural and historical factors that have combined to create the current health patterns among Indigenous Australians. Customs and beliefs, pre-colonial social organisation and post-colonial history are examined. Modern social organisation is studied. Indigenous health policy and decision-making structures are reviewed. Demographic, morbidity and mortality patterns are surveyed. Cross-cultural communication is explored and some “dos” and “don’ts” for health staff working with Indigenous people are discussed. Specific major health problems are examined from a public health perspective with emphasis on identification and overall management. Tips are given for clinical management strategies and health promotion strategies including screening and surveillance and community development models. Students are introduced to a range of literature on the subject.
Learning Objectives:
- understand current Indigenous health standards in their historical, cultural and political context;
- knowledge of health and demographic status and trends, including risk factors;
- compare health status and trends to the whole Australian population and other Indigenous groups;
- knowledge of the history, organisation and influences on Indigenous health policy, financing and service provision;
- critically self examine the personal role in cross-cultural situations in the work and community environment;
- knowledge of issues relating to health promotion and service provision;
- familiarity with models of best practice in Indigenous health care.
Assessment by assignment (30%); presentation (30%); examination (40%).