Background

It is widely acknowledged that culturally appropriate and holistic health delivery systems improve health outcomes. Only 1.4% of people accessing palliative care services identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, with lack of cultural safety in the healthcare system identified as one of the key barriers.

Aim

To develop locally tailored education and resources for community pharmacists and pharmacy staff to enhance the cultural safety of the palliative care support they provide to their First Nations clients. 

Method

1.      Establishment of a regional working group of predominantly Aboriginal health managers to inform workshop content and resource development. Representation included - 

-        Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services

-        Local Health Districts

-        Primary Health Network

-        Gwandalan National Palliative Care Project

-        Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach

-        Pharmacists

2.      Development of a 90-minute interactive workshop for community pharmacy. 

3.      Engagement of a local First Nations artist to create bespoke digital artwork reflecting local culture and the role of pharmacists in supporting First Nations people on their Return to Dreaming journey.

4.      Creation of resources for community pharmacy, incorporating the new artwork and language appropriate to local First Nations people. 

Results

Workshop content was developed focussing on First Nations local context. Topics broadly included – 

1.      Overarching cultural values of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities 

2.      Culturally safe communication techniques (in the context of end of life) 

3.      Engagement strategies to connect with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Resources included – 

1.      Acknowledgement of Country window decal

2.      Consumer brochure to raise awareness of available pharmacy support services  

3.      Consumer-facing poster to invite palliative care yarns with the pharmacist

4.      Pharmacy contact list of local Aboriginal health workforce.

Conclusion

This project demonstrated a localised, collaborative approach to enhancing cultural safety in First Nations palliative care.