The 25-hour online course will empower you to reflect on aspects of your own cultural self-awareness to advance your knowledge and skills in providing effective and safe care to First Nations families in the maternity context. This short course will explore Australian history, concepts related to traditional and contemporary First Nations cultures, the rights of individuals and groups to self-determination, and consider how culturally safe midwifery practices can contribute to closing the gap in First Nations health outcomes. The skills gained in this subject will enable you to recognise how social determinants of health and the ongoing effects of colonisation may impact maternity outcomes, equity and access.

Course content

You will begin to develop the knowledge and skills required to work effectively and safely with Australian First Nations people in the healthcare environment. You will explore key features and concepts related to traditional and contemporary First Nations cultures and communities; multi- dimensional models of First Nations health and healing; and the underlying social determinants influencing current health outcomes, including historical and cultural factors. You will also explore concepts related to health inequality, reflect on the responsibility of the whole health system in improving First Nations health outcomes, and consider how culturally safe midwifery practice can contribute to closing the gap.

• Understand the key features of First Nations culture and Australian history and apply an understanding of diversity within the First Nations population to person-centred care.
• Discover First Nations concepts of health and healing, and analyse how interconnected physical, social, historical, political and cultural factors impact on health outcomes.
• Learn the meaning of 'cultural safety' in relation to improving health outcomes for First Nations people and critically analyse how it influences effective midwifery practices.
• Engage in culturally appropriate communication that facilitates respectful therapeutic relationships, and supports effective partnerships with First Nations health professionals, organisations and communities.
• Outline the concepts of health inequality, the factors that contribute to it, and ways of redressing it to close the gap in health outcomes between First Nations and non-Indigenous Australians.

Extra requirements

1. Broadband internet access and an active email address that can be accessed at home during study periods.
2. Students must have basic computer literacy skills (e.g. Word or other word processing software).