Health Issues: Loitja Aboriginal Woman - Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) People | Health Care Assignment Help

Health Care Assignment

There are many historical, lifestyle & cross-cultural issues that can affect the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people. Specific communication, work practice skills and knowledge are required to provide appropriate culturally sensitive nursing care to ATSI people; and / or work effectively with ATSI colleagues in the health industry. Government services, strategies and resources have been put in place to address ATSI health care requirements, professional relationship issues and cultural safety.

SCENARIO:

Loitja is a 58-year-old Aboriginal woman living in a rural Aboriginal community near Mildura in Victoria. She lives in a very crowded 3-bedroom rental house with two of her adult children and several grandchildren for whom she is the main carer. Loitja receives Social Security benefits so has limited money to be able to afford much fresh fruit, vegetables or meat for her large family.

Loitja is overweight, has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Two years ago she had a left below-knee amputation and wears a prosthetic limb for ambulation. Type 2 Diabetes has been prevalent among Loitja's relatives for many years. Alcohol problems and tobacco use are common in the family, and several household members have developed chronic eye problems.

Current or potential health issues for Loitja:

• Cardio-Vascular disease
• Eye diseases / conditions
• Tobacco / Nicotine addiction
• Type 2 Diabetes

Question 1a

In accordance with Victorian Government Department of Human Services, approximately 27% of all Aboriginal Australians residing in Victoria die owing to cardiovascular diseases. Statistics also indicate that median age of death due to cardiovascular diseases is 60 in Aboriginal Australians as compared to 81 in general population (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2016).

Looking at the case study, it might be derived that Loitja is at an extremely high risk for developing cardiovascular complications. She is overweight, has high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These factors play a leading role in reducing arterial width and clogging them. Further, her physical activity is restricted owing to limited mobility and she has limited financial resources to maintain a healthy diet (Van Dam et al 2012).

Developing cardiovascular complications would further serve to increase her financial and mental burden as she might have to make repeated trips to the hospital. She is currently the main care provider for her grandchildren. Cardiovascular complications would therefore also take her away from her family. Her recovery in her current living circumstances might also be difficult as the family is prone to tobacco abuse and the living environment is very crowded (Lavie et al 2014).

Question 1b

A specific ATSI Government program aimed at management of cardiovascular complications is known as ‘VicOutreach Aboriginal Health Program’ (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2016). This program is aimed at increasing access to a range of primary as well as secondary care services devised for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Victoria. Access to treatment and management is provided for several chronic conditions including cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes (Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet, 2016).

The service might be utilised by Loitja so as to better manage her lifestyle and avoid further cardiovascular complications. Dieticians, physicists and nutritionists might be able to help her in including nutritive food in her diet without exceeding her budget. She might also be able to enrol for regular medical checkups and become aware of physical activities that she can undertake in the vicinity of her household (Kirmayer et al, 2012).

Question 2

Cultural-awareness training for non-indigenous staff members might be immensely helpful while trying to provide cultural safety to all ATSI patients. Several rituals and customs form an important part of Aboriginal culture and these require sharing of only specific information. Often these rituals are either referred to as either men’s or women’s business and are performed between those of the same gender (Skellett, 2012).

Cultural awareness about such rituals and customs would enable the enrolled nurse (EN) to provision an environment where patients feel comfortable. Trained enrolled nurses would be able to recognise cultural differences and ensure that patients felt comfortable in taking about gender specific issues such as menstruation and erectile dysfunction (Gerlach, 2012). Furthermore, trained nursing professionals would be able to ensure that an assistant of the same gender or a family member is present while interacting with an Aboriginal patient. Nursing professionals would also ensure that a private environment for discussion is facilitated so as to ensure maximum comfort for Aboriginal patients (Kirmayer et al, 2012).

Question 3

Studying the ATSI unit and acquiring relevant knowledge has completely transformed my perspective towards issues of cultural awareness, safety and sensitivity. I have learnt that culture is an integral part of an individual’s personality and defines thinking patterns and behaviours. Therefore, it is extremely essential to be culturally sensitive so as to facilitate uncompromised care. I have also learnt that being culturally sensitive and enhancing cultural safety ensures that a bond of trust is created between the nursing professional and the patient and patients are able to properly explain their problems.

This knowledge would help me to stay unbiased and not judge my patients and colleagues who belong to ATSI communities. I would respect their culture and would try to understand things from their perspective. I would also try and explain my perspective better so as to reach a point of common understanding with them.