title: What do GPs need to work more effectively with Aboriginal patients? Views of Aboriginal cultural mentors and health workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Given the health inequity faced by Aboriginal people, it is important that interactions with general practitioners (GPs) are effective and that GPs are aware of issues affecting culturally competent practice.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interviews undertaken with Aboriginal people who had a role in cultural support or mentorship of GPs and registrars in urban or large rural centres were analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Fourteen participants contributed to the study. They emphasised that a culturally respectful approach was the most important attribute. Other core knowledge and skills that promote effective relationships and healthcare were categorised as attitudes and approach, communication and consultation skills, culturally aware practices and applied knowledge.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Respectful attitudes and good communication and consultation skills need to be combined with knowledge of the historical, cultural, social, medical and system factors that impact on healthcare delivery for Aboriginal patients. Access to cultural mentorship or support is important to promote culturally competent practice.
authors.affiliation: MBBS, MPH, FRACGP is Senior Lecturer, Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Western Sydney, NSW.
authors.forename: Penelope
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Abbott
authors.forename: Darshana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dave
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reath
mesh_terms: D000488:Allied Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology; D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D054521:Cultural Competency; D058005:General Practitioners / Q000523:psychology*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D054625:Healthcare Disparities / Q000208:ethnology; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012424:Rural Population; D014505:Urban Population