Write a 1500-word essay that responds to the topic provided in the task
Key words: stages of colonisation, institutional & systemic racism, cultural safety, access to appropriate healthcare.
In a professional healthcare setting, it is important to consider the importance of different cultures and their individual and communities’ approach to health. Whilst treating Indigenous Australians it is important to remember how they view and prioritise their health and treatments. Ensuring there is no underlying racism, or bias is crucial to creating a safe environment when treating individuals so they are comfortable and feel safe enough to be vulnerable and receive appropriate treatment. Social determinants such as housing, employment, & community, etc. play a heavy role in the influence of decisions affecting Indigenous Australians health status’. Many social and economic factors can change how much an individual is involved in the community whether it be sports, volunteering, social connections and groups, etc. which has a major affect on the psychological health of an individual (Saggers, 2007). The colonisation of Australia has had a deep lasting impact on Indigenous Australians, leaving an intergenerational trauma that to this day needs more recognition, consideration, sensitivity, and treatment (Paradies, 2016). When applying the principle of cultural safety into professional practise it is important the focus is the patients experience of care and treatment, rather than focusing on the approaches of knowledge implemented by the healthcare worker (Clough, 2024).
The colonisation of Australia has forever changed the culture and practises of Indigenous Australians, whom are still recognising and healing their intergenerational trauma to this day. The trauma of loss, grief, hurt, distrust and physical abuse towards Indigenous Australians is an underlying issue in Indigenous communities becoming a factor that impacts their daily lives (Paradies, 2016). This trauma and previous ‘rivalry’ between the new English settlement and Indigenous Australians has created a generational distrust which is a factor to why there are less positive health outcomes between Indigenous Australians and non-Indigenous Australians and more harmful outcomes such as substance abuse, self harm and incarceration
Assessment Summary
This assessment requires students to write a 1500-word essay on Indigenous health in Australia, specifically focusing on the stages of colonisation, institutional and systemic racism, cultural safety, and access to appropriate healthcare. The essay should demonstrate a professional understanding of the historical, social, and economic factors influencing Indigenous Australians’ health outcomes.
Key points to cover in the essay include:
- Stages of Colonisation: Outline the historical colonisation of Australia and its impact on Indigenous communities, highlighting intergenerational trauma and cultural disruption.
- Institutional & Systemic Racism: Discuss how discriminatory policies and systemic inequalities affect access to healthcare and social services for Indigenous Australians.
- Cultural Safety: Explain the concept of cultural safety in healthcare, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patient experience, respect, and sensitivity to Indigenous perspectives.
- Access to Appropriate Healthcare: Explore barriers Indigenous Australians face in obtaining equitable healthcare, including social determinants like housing, employment, and community engagement.
- Social Determinants of Health: Examine the influence of socioeconomic status, community connections, and environmental factors on physical and psychological well-being.
- Reflective Practice: Integrate academic references, policy considerations, and best practices to demonstrate an understanding of culturally safe healthcare delivery.
Approach Guided by the Academic Mentor
Step 1: Understanding the Task
The academic mentor first helped the student interpret the essay requirements, ensuring clarity on the topic focus and word count. Emphasis was placed on identifying the key themes: colonisation, racism, cultural safety, and healthcare access.
- Outcome: The student had a clear understanding of what to include and the expectations for academic rigor and referencing.
Step 2: Research and Literature Review
The mentor guided the student to conduct a literature review, focusing on credible sources such as peer-reviewed journals, government publications, and reports by Indigenous health organizations. Sources like Paradies (2016) and Saggers (2007) were highlighted to support points on intergenerational trauma and social determinants of health.
- Outcome: The student compiled a list of references and evidence to support each essay section.
Step 3: Structuring the Essay
The mentor emphasized the importance of a logical structure for a professional essay:
- Introduction: Brief overview of Indigenous health, colonisation, and relevance of cultural safety.
- Body Paragraphs:
- Historical overview of colonisation and its lasting effects.
- Analysis of institutional and systemic racism in healthcare and society.
- Principles of cultural safety and their application in clinical settings.
- Access to healthcare and barriers faced by Indigenous Australians.
- Influence of social determinants on health outcomes.
- Conclusion: Summarize key points, highlighting practical implications for healthcare professionals.
- Outcome: The student had a clear framework to guide the essay, ensuring all assessment criteria were addressed.
Step 4: Writing and Integration of Academic Sources
The mentor assisted in demonstrating how to integrate evidence effectively without over-relying on quotations. Paraphrasing key findings from literature while linking them to practical healthcare considerations was emphasized.
- Outcome: The student learned to produce cohesive, evidence-based arguments and demonstrate critical thinking.
Step 5: Applying Cultural Safety Principles
The mentor highlighted the need to focus on the patient’s experience of care, not just the healthcare provider’s knowledge. Practical examples, such as approaches to Indigenous patient engagement and culturally appropriate communication, were discussed.
- Outcome: The student included concrete examples to show how cultural safety can improve trust and healthcare outcomes.
Step 6: Draft Review and Feedback
The student submitted a draft to receive formative feedback. The mentor provided guidance on:
- Strengthening the linkage between colonisation and current health disparities.
- Improving clarity in explaining systemic racism.
- Enhancing the reflection on social determinants of health and practical applications.
- Outcome: The student revised the essay, incorporating feedback to ensure coherence and alignment with assessment criteria.
Step 7: Final Submission
The final essay was carefully proofread, formatted, and referenced according to SCU’s Academic Integrity policies and APA guidelines. The student confirmed adherence to guidelines for Generative AI use and originality.
- Outcome: A polished 1500-word essay meeting all assessment requirements, with accurate referencing and a professional, culturally sensitive perspective.
Learning Objectives Covered
Through this assessment and mentor-guided process, the student achieved the following learning objectives:
- Understanding Historical Context: Demonstrated awareness of the stages of colonisation and their long-term effects on Indigenous communities.
- Recognizing Institutional and Systemic Racism: Identified barriers and discriminatory practices affecting Indigenous healthcare access.
- Applying Cultural Safety: Integrated patient-centered care practices to enhance trust and safety in healthcare delivery.
- Critical Analysis of Social Determinants: Evaluated how housing, employment, and community engagement impact health outcomes.
- Academic Research and Writing Skills: Developed skills in literature review, evidence-based argumentation, and APA referencing.
- Reflective Practice: Considered ethical, professional, and culturally sensitive approaches in clinical contexts.
Assessment Outcome
- Essay Length: 1500 words, covering all key points.
- Structure: Clear introduction, evidence-based body paragraphs, and a concise conclusion.
- Content: Integration of colonisation history, systemic racism, cultural safety, and healthcare access, supported by relevant academic sources.
- Learning Application: Demonstrated practical application of cultural safety principles in professional healthcare settings.