"You felt like a prisoner in your own self, trapped": the experiences of Aboriginal people with acquired communication disorders.

Conclusions: An increase in healthcare staff's appreciation of the health and social contexts of Aboriginal people after brain injury is needed in order to improve communication with Aboriginal patients and the ability to offer accessible rehabilitation services. Ongoing support is required, with cultural identity noted as key to ensuring cultural security and ultimately recovery. Involvement of family and other Aboriginal people in recovery processes, as well as access to relevant Aboriginal languages and proximity to ancestral lands is central.Implications for rehabilitationAcknowledgment of cultural identity and strengths through involvement of extended family and Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, access to language and proximity to country all central to rehabilitation planning for Aboriginal people after brain injury.Cultural security training for rehabilitation staff is recommended focusing on clear two-way communication skills to make medical information accessible for Aboriginal patients and to listen to patients' concerns in a way that respects cultural context.Information regarding practical support and implications for ongoing management of life after brain injury (for the person and their family) is essential, and should supplement the medical-related information provided.Follow-up post discharge from hospital best facilitated through establishing contact with local Aboriginal community through Aboriginal community controlled health services, community elders,...
Source: Disability and Rehabilitation - Category: Rehabilitation Authors: Tags: Disabil Rehabil Source Type: research