title: Indigenous peoples' experiences and perceptions of hospitalisation for acute care: A metasynthesis of qualitative studies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to explore Indigenous people's experiences and perceptions of hospitalisation and acute care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic procedures were used for the literature search covering the period from 2000 to 2016. Final search was conducted in early September 2016. Quality of the selected studies was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Program. Data extraction was conducted using the data extraction tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute. A thematic approach to synthesis was taken. Statements were assembled to produce aggregated data of the findings, which were then categorised based on similarity of meaning, and the categories were used to produce comprehensive synthesised findings.
  
  
  METHODS
  The literature search was conducted in the following databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Google scholar, Medline, Psychology and Behavioural Sciences, and PsycINFO. Manual searches of the International Journal of Indigenous Health, Menzies website and references of reviewed papers were also conducted. Inclusion criteria were qualitative articles, published in English from across the world, in peer-reviewed journals, that investigated acute health care experiences of Indigenous people.
  
  
  METHODS
  A metasynthesis of qualitative research studies was conducted following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 21 primary studies met the inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged from the metasynthesis: Strangers in a strange land; Encountering dysfunctional interactions; and Suffering stereotyping and assumptions. These themes emphasised the importance of meaningful relationships for Indigenous people and highlighted their cultural marginalisation in hospital settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings indicate that healthcare experiences of Indigenous patients and their relatives in acute settings can fall well short of their expectations and needs. It behoves healthcare professionals to firstly be aware of such discrepancies, and secondly to implement strategies that enable inclusive and individualised care.
authors.affiliation: Adult Intensive Care Services, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia; School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia. Electronic address: vainess.mbuzi@health.qld.gov.au.
authors.forename: Vainess
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mbuzi
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia; Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fulbrook
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedicine, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia; Nursing Research and Practice Development Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: Melanie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jessup
mesh_terms: D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D044382:Population Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Cultural issues; Experiences; Hospital care; Indigenous; Metasynthesis; Qualitative research