Improving Mental Health Care for Aboriginal Women: Importance of Cultural Competency

Running head: NURSING ASSIGNMENT
NURSING ASSIGNMENT
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1NURSING ASSIGNMENT
Mental health issues have been ignored and overlooked with specific emphasis on the
proportion of women population belonging to the aboriginal community (Acharya et al.,
2017). Mental health issues have been perceived with a stigmatized belief by the members
within the community. In accordance to the evidences revealed by the research studies, a
major gap has been detected in the quality of healthcare facilities provided to the aboriginal
and the non –aboriginal proportion of the Australian population. In order to address the gap,
the Australian government has undertaken steps to introduce a reform in the structure and
quality of health care services offered to the people. As per the NMBA code of conduct,
Principle 3.3, mentions that nursing professionals must commit to maintaining an efficient
flow of communication. The communication must be maintained in a clear and articulate
manner between colleagues so as to meet the privacy requirements and serve the patient in a
better manner (Chiarella & Adrian, 2014). Nursing professionals strictly adhere to the NMBA
code of conduct while delivering care. While dealing with Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander patients, it is extremely important for the nursing professional to be culturally
competent while devising interventions.
Research papers have stated that the aboriginal set of population hesitate to utilize the
medical health facilities on account of stigmatized beliefs of the healthcare professionals. In
order to reform the scenario, it is pivotal to impart training so as to ensure cultural
competency among the care givers dealing with the patients (Turong et al., 2014). The
training in cultural safety includes consideration of elements such as age, gender, ethnic
background, religious and health values.
It should be noted here that medical issues in aboriginal women have revolved around
physical health of women, comprising reproductive health and child health and wellness.
Issues regarding women’s mental health have not been much researched upon. However,
mental disorders such as stress, depression and trauma have been most common in aboriginal