HSC1042

Multicultural issues in health sciences ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr Charanjit Singh

Offered:
Peninsula Second semester 2005 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit introduces various multicultural issues related to healthcare. Socio-economic cultural factors that influence cultural sensitivity and safety will be addressed and appropriate assessment, intervention and strategies will be discussed to ensure holistic care of clients from different cultural backgrounds. Issues related to the health of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders will be discussed, in addition to issues with clients from non-English speaking background. Students will be encouraged to develop an understanding of their own orientation to multicultural issues and to effectively incorporate cultural knowledge, skills and attitudes into their health professional practice.

Objectives: By the completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to: 1. define the notion of 'culture' and how it manifests itself; 2. discuss the major concepts related to culture and cross-cultural theories; 3. critically analyse the role of cultural sensitivity and safety when dealing with clients from different cultural backgrounds and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; 4. identify and discuss their own and health professions' attitude to clients from different cultural groups and explain the relationship between culture, health and health care issues for people from different cultural backgrounds including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders; 5. demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner; and 6. undertake a comprehensive bio-psychosocial cultural assessment and incorporate insight in terms of considering clients' and their families cultural beliefs, values, roles, patterns, lifestyles and family system.

Assessment: Written assignment (1800 words): 40% + Tutorial/Seminar presentations: 30% (including a group presentation 15% and an written report on the presentation 15%) + Examination (1 hour, MQC): 30%

Contact Hours: 12 hours per week including contact time and private study, averaged over the 13 week semester - a total of 156 hours.

Prohibitions: NUR1502