Moving Forward Together in Aboriginal Women's Health: - Theses ...

Moving Forward TogetherJanet KellyFrom a cultural safety perspective, a ‘biomedical knowledge only’ approachcan lead to health care provision regardless, rather than regardful of clients’priorities and experiences. In comparison, evidence based practice thatcombines technical knowledge with postcolonial feminist analysis enablesnurses and others to utilise their knoweldges and skills to provide high qualityhealth care in culturally safe ways, in partnership with clients. This washighlighted in the reflective practice example above. This discussion raisesquestions regarding what is considered evidence and whose evidence orknowledge is considered valid in each situation, and by whom.SummaryIn this chapter I have explored more deeply the three central concepts ofrespectful knowledge sharing, working together in collaborative action, andaddressing issues of health care access and colonisation. These three themesare the building blocks of our collaboration. They specifically address theimpact of past and ongoing colonisation issues as discussed in Chapter Two,and work regardless and regardful of the fluctuating landscape of health careprovision with changing levels of collaboration as discussed in Chapter Three.Knowledge sharing, working together and addressing issues can be used to cocreatepragmatic, effective and culturally safe strategies within Aboriginalwomen’s health care. They assist practitioners toward providing holistic andresponsive comprehensive primary health careThe purposeful and respectful combination of Western and Aboriginal theorieshas created a unique partnership approach that enables deeper exploration ofthe issues and possibilities within cross cultural health care encounters inpostcolonial Adelaide. A consideration of people’s multiple perspectives andpositions enable the complexities of health care to be explored, without(immobilising) blame being cast. Health professionals are encouraged tocritically reflect on their own practice and beliefs, move beyond assumptionsthey may (consciously or unconsciously) hold, and work interactively withclients and the health system. The recognition of client, professional,community and external knowledges as all being valid in health care settingsenables more responsive forms of evidence based practice to be supported.107