Improving Outcomes for First Nations Cancer Patients - Module 2
TOOLS TO IMPROVE COMMUNICATION WITH FIRST NATIONS CANCER PATIENTS & CARERS
Training modules to support cancer clinicians and researchers working with First Nations peoples were launched today by the Centre of Research Excellence in Targeted Approaches To Improve Cancer Services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians (TACTICS) at the University of Queensland and the Psycho-oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG) at the University of Sydney, ahead of World Cancer Day on Saturday 4 February.
Communicating with patients and carers is the second module in an e-learning series on improving cancer outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It aims to build effective and culturally appropriate communication skills among clinicians and researchers working with First Nations peoples.
The module offers six easy strategies clinicians and researchers can employ to improve communication with First Nations patients and their carers.
Indigenous Health Researcher Professor Gail Garvey, project lead from the TACTICS Centre of Research Excellence at the University of Queensland, said it is essential that clinicians and researchers working with First Nations cancer patients and their carers understand the importance of culturally inclusive communication in the delivery of high quality, patient-centred care.
“Effective communication between health-care professionals and patients influences patient outcomes and supports patient-centred care,” said Professor Garvey.
“Building trusting relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their caregivers and the health-care team is vital for improving outcomes. Strong relationships support patients and their families, and help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to engage with health services.
“Communication between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and health-care professionals needs to be understood within the broader sociocultural and political context. These training modules provide health workers with practical strategies to help them understand the context and communicate more clearly.”
PoCoG Chair, Professor Brian Kelly AM, said the group is proud to have had an opportunity to support the important work of Professor Garvey and her team in developing this e-learning resource.
“This module provides very practical information and guidance for clinicians who are caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with cancer.
“We are firmly committed to working together to improve the outcomes for First Nations people with cancer, and hope that this module will be widely used to improve awareness among clinicians of the steps they can take to improve the quality of care for First Nations people in whatever setting this might occur.
“We are indebted to the work that Professor Garvey and her team have done to develop this unique resource that we hope will become an essential tool to support every clinician working in this field,” said Professor Kelly.