TM5510 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Credit points:	03
Year:	2009
Student Contribution Band:	Band 2
Administered by:	Sch Public Health,Trop Medicine&Rehabilitation Sc

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 "donts" 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 Outcomes

• compare health status and trends to the whole Australian population and other Indigenous groups;
• critically self examine the personal role in cross-cultural situations in the work and community environment;
• familiarity with models of best practice in Indigenous health care;
• knowledge of health and demographic status and trends, including risk factors;
• knowledge of issues relating to health promotion and service provision;
• knowledge of the history, organisation and influences on Indigenous health policy, financing and service provision;
• understand current Indigenous health standards in their historical, cultural and political context.

Availabilities
Townsville, Block, Study Period 6
Census Date 26-Jun-2009
Face to face teaching 22-Jun-2009 to 03-Jul-2009
Coord/Lect:	Mr Adrian Miller.
Contact hours:	60 hours lectures
Assessment:	other exams (40%); presentations (30%); assignments (30%).

Note: Minor variations might occur due to the continuous Subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.