Year: 2009
Author(s): Anderson, C.
Book/Journal: The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education
Volume and Page Info: Vol 38S, Suplement pp40-45
Type: Journal
Topics:
Training Indigenous Health PractitionersPublisher: The Australian Journal of Indigenous Education
Abstract
There are numerous aspects to becoming an effective, culturally competent health practitioner, among these is the need to "become knowledgeable about the historical and sociopolitical backgwunds of clients" (Bemak et aI., 2003, p. 26). It has been established that culturally sensitive empathy has the potential to contribute greatly to the healing pwcess when working acwss cultures. It is therefore essential for an effective and productive client-healer relationship. Indeed it is said that "empathy bridges the gap" between practitioner and client (David & Erickson, 1990). This paper explores a model to develop cultural competence within health related courses.