93226 Indigenous Health and Well-Being
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particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
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Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Undergraduate
Result type: Grade and marksThere are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
Nurses have a major role to play in improving the health of Australian Indigenous people. To be effective however, nurses require both clinical skills and cultural respect. This subject focuses on improving students' knowledge of Indigenous people in order to foster respect and understanding. Exploring their own attitudes, beliefs and understandings contributes to students being able to deliver evidence-based care in a culturally respectful way. This subject emphasises exploring Indigenous perspectives of Australian history and the ongoing effects of colonisation for Indigenous people nationally and internationally; intergenerational loss and trauma; acknowledging Indigenous people as experts in their own health; comprehending the social and cultural implications of engaging with the health care system for Indigenous people; and fostering humility in safe, appreciative, collaborative spaces.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Discuss how colonisation has influenced and impacted upon Indigenous people both in Australia and internationally (RN Standards for Practice 1). |
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| B. | Examine and apply the concept of cultural respect to enable appropriate healthcare for Indigenous peoples health care now and into the future (RN Standards for Practice 2 and 4). |
| C. | Appreciate the meaning of health and illness for Indigenous people including developing respect for alternative spiritual beliefs and health practices (RN Standards for Practice 1 and 2). |
| D. | Discuss the legal, ethical, social and cultural issues that arise in the nursing care of Indigenous peoples’ across the life span (RN Standards for Practice 1 and 2). |
| E. | Describe and critically reflect on the roles of Indigenous health workers and Aboriginal Liaison Officers in the context of the wider health care system (RN Standards for Practice 3). |
| F. | Undertake independent research to locate health statistics of Indigenous people and relate these findings to the ongoing effects of colonisation (RN Standards for Practice 1). |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Embody a professional disposition committed to excellence, equity and sustainability (1.0)
- Engage in person-centred care that is appropriately sensitive to the needs of individuals, families and communities (2.0)
- Communicate and collaborate effectively and respectfully with diverse groups (3.0)
- Inquire critically to assess a body of evidence to inform practice (4.0)
- Demonstrate professional cultural competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellness (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
In this subject, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning strategies designed to develop cultural respect, and an understanding of various issues that may arise in healthcare settings, that enables you to engage in nursing care that is culturally safe for Indigenous Australians.
Lectures and Online Learning Materials
This subject benefits from both the real time delivery of content and access to online resources via Canvas which include; preparatory activities, videos, and readings, in weekly learning modules. Students are required to allocate approximately 60-90 minutes each week to complete online preparatory work, to enable them to engage fully in face-to-face Learning Circles (tutorials). Additionally, there will be weekly live online lectures,that will also be recorded so that all students have the opportuntity to engage with them.
Learning Circles
Tutorials are referred to as Learning Circles. Attendance at the Learning Circles is critical to your learning. As such you are expected to prepare for, attend and actively participate in all Learning Circles. There are 5 x 4 hour face to face Learning Circles in this subject. The Learning Circles gives students the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and understandings of the material delivered in the lectures and preparatory work and engage in collaborative discussions and activities to increase understanding and cultural respect for Indigenous Australians. In groups, students will provide summaries of discussions they have had in their groups to the class. Students will receive feedback from their peers and Learning Circle facilitators.
Teaching and learning strategies incorporate the development of professional communication skills for all students. This involves developing culturally safe communication skills required to provide safe and respectful nursing care for Indigenous Australians.
Academic Writing
Demonstrating information literacy and technology skills, students search and synthesise the professional literature to respond to assessment requirements. Students will comply with academic writing practices and use information ethically, legally, and respectfully.
An aim of this subject is to help you develop academic and professional language and communication skills to succeed at university and in the workplace. During this subject, you will complete a milestone assessment task that will, in addition to assessing your subject-specific learning objectives, assess your English language proficiency.
Content (topics)
Content will include: A revision of the concept of cultural safety in the context of professional competencies; Appropriate terminology; Colonisation and its ongoing impact upon the Australian population; Complexity of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patient experience; Self-reflection on own role in contributing to Indigenous health; Distinct health challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Legal, social and ethical issues affecting contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; Contributing to the cultural safety of mainstream health institutions.
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Acknowledgement of Country (Narrated)
| Intent: | To enable students to develop cultural respect; explore the historical significance of their local area for Traditional Owners, and develop an understanding of how colonisation has influenced and impacted on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A and B This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 2.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 20% |
| Length: | 2.5 - 3 Minutes in duration maximum (approximately 500 words). |
Assessment task 2: E-poster Group Presentation
| Intent: | To gain knowledge of various issues that may arise in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, in the context of colonisation. And, critically review services/projects or campaigns designed to address gaps in health and wellbeing, with a focus on strategies that are: Indigenous led; strengths based; and enabling of self-determination and shared decision making. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, C, D and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | 8 minute (+/- 10%) group presentation |
| Criteria: |
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Assessment task 3: Case Study Analysis
| Intent: | Students will develop an understanding of various issues that may arise when Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples engage with healthcare services, by critically examining instances of inadequate nursing care. Students will also investigate and identify strategies that will enable them to provide nursing care that is equitable, culturally safe and collaborative. |
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| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, D, E and F This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 6.0 |
| Weight: | 50% |
| Length: | 1500 word essay (+/- 10%) |
| Criteria: | This task includes a milestone assessment component that evaluates English language proficiency. You will be guided to further language support after the completion of this subject if your results in this milestone task indicate you need more help with your language skills. It is expected that all responses are supported with evidence-based and/or peer-reviewed literature, as required in the marking criteria, and that all responses demonstrate cultural respect when referring to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples. NOTE: The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), for example ChatGPT, is not permitted in this assessment. Students who are identified as using AI, for example ChatGPT, in this assessment may be referred for academic misconduct. |
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/ information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health) and Canvas at: https://canvas.uts.edu.au/.
UTS Library
The Library has a wide range of resources, facilities and services to support you including textbooks, subject readings, health literature databases, workshops and bookable study rooms. There is also a team of librarians to help you with your questions available via online chat, phone and in person. W: lib.uts.edu.au, Facebook: utslibrary, Twitter: @utslibrary Tel: (02) 9514 3666.
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at the UTS Library. Phone (02) 9514 9733.
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.
The Accessibility and Financial Assistance Service
The Accessibility Service can support students with disabilities, medical or mental health conditions, including temporary injuries (e.g., broken limbs). The Accessibility Service works with Academic Liaison Officers in each Faculty to provide ‘reasonable adjustments’ such as exam provisions, assistive technology, requests and strategies for managing your studies alongside your health condition. If you’re unsure whether you need assistance, we recommend getting in touch early and we can provide advice on how our service can assist you. Make an appointment with an Accessibility Consultant (AC) on +61 2 9514 1177 or Accessibility@uts.edu.au.
The Financial Assistance Service can assist you with financial aspects of life at university, including Centrelink information, tax returns and budgeting, interest-free student loans and grants to assist with course-related costs. Check eligibility and apply online and make an appointment on +61 2 9514 1177 or Financial.assistance@uts.edu.au.