Cultural considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples with palliative care needs

Indigenous Program of Experience in the Palliative Approach (IPEPA) Project Team, 2020

Cultural practices and understanding about health vary among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Engage with local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers when providing care for members of these communities. Other people that may be of assistance when seeking to understand local practices include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the community, Community Elders and cultural liaison workers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples may find it helpful to have an interpreter or cultural liaison worker present during important clinical consultations. Working in partnership with local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community organisations may also facilitate culturally responsive care.

Planning care for the whole person and their social and emotional wellbeing is essential for holistic palliative care. Linkage to traditional lands, country and community is very important for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Patient and family preferences regarding where they should be cared for, where they should die, and where their body should be interred, should be respected, planned for and facilitated if at all possible. Other important components of holistic palliative care may include traditional healers, bush medicines and totems.

For detailed information about the facilitators and barriers to respectful and effective communication with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander patients and their families, see Cultural considerations: Providing end-of-life care for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people (PEPA Team) or Gwandalan Palliative Care—Dillybag resources. Other relevant resources are available on the CareSearch website.