Insights from the Northern Territory on factors that facilitate effective palliative care for Aboriginal peoples.
This article aims to assist remote communities to develop their own palliative care services by providing findings on successful strategies identified through a 2-year research project which developed an innovative model for Indigenous palliative care. The discussion is set in the context of an understanding of the notion of cultural safety and discusses the positive experiences of the benefits of palliative care from the perspectives of both consumers and health professionals. The findings show that successful outcomes are derived from generic factors associated with palliative care philosophy and practice and from more specific factors, including the provision of pragmatic support to overcome practical problems, and community visits by health professionals. Factors specific to cultural respect are important, including familiarity and continuity of health care providers, cultural respect for grieving practices, provision of comfort food and bush tucker, development of culturally appropriate built environments, use of traditional healers and respect for spiritual practices.
McGrath
Pam D
PD
International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research, Central Queensland University, PO Box 1307, Kenmore, Brisbane, QLD 4069, Australia. pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com
Phillips
Emma L
EL
D003469:Culture; D006801:Humans; D015876:Northern Territory; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000592:standards*