Browsing by Author "Brown I."
Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Sharing the true stories: improving communication between Aboriginal patients and healthcare workers.(2002-06-11) Cass A.; Lowell A.; Christie M.; Snelling P.L.; Flack M.; Marrnganyin B.; Brown I.Objectives: To identify factors limiting the effectiveness of communication between Aboriginal patients with end-stage renal disease and healthcare workers, and to identify strategies for improving communication. Design(s): Qualitative study, gathering data through (a) videotaped interactions between patients and staff, and (b) in-depth interviews with all participants, in their first language, about their perceptions of the interaction, their interpretation of the video record and their broader experience with intercultural communication. Setting(s): A satellite dialysis unit in suburban Darwin, Northern Territory. The interactions occurred between March and July 2001. Participant(s): Aboriginal patients from the Yolngu language group of north-east Arnhem Land and their medical, nursing and allied professional carers. Main Outcome Measure(s): Factors influencing the quality of communication. Result(s): A shared understanding of key concepts was rarely achieved. Miscommunication often went unrecognised. Sources of miscommunication included lack of patient control over the language, timing, content and circumstances of interactions; differing modes of discourse; dominance of biomedical knowledge and marginalisation of Yolngu knowledge; absence of opportunities and resources to construct a body of shared understanding; cultural and linguistic distance; lack of staff training in intercultural communication; and lack of involvement of trained interpreters. Conclusion(s): Miscommunication is pervasive. Trained interpreters provide only a partial solution. Fundamental change is required for Aboriginal patients to have significant input into the management of their illness. Educational resources are needed to facilitate a shared understanding, not only of renal physiology, disease and treatment, but also of the cultural, social and economic dimensions of the illness experience of Aboriginal people.