Elements of cultural competence in an Australian Aboriginal maternity program

Area of Science:

• Maternal Health
• Indigenous Health
• Cultural Competence in Healthcare

Background:

• Australian Aboriginal women and infants experience poorer pregnancy, labour, and neonatal outcomes compared to the general population.
• Culturally competent services can reduce these disparities by improving access to timely antenatal care.
• The Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program (2011) in Perth aimed to address these issues using a partnership model with Aboriginal Grandmothers, Aboriginal Health Officers, and midwives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify specific components of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program that fostered culturally competent service delivery.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data were analyzed using the Organisational Cultural Competence Assessment Tool.
• Data sources included surveys from 16 program clients and 22 partner organization representatives.
• Interviews were conducted with 15 program staff members.

Main Results:

• The partnership model enhanced culturally appropriate care from other health services, especially in hospitals.
• Two-way learning between staff and clients was a significant feature.
• Access to care improved through transport provision, team home visits, and employment of Aboriginal staff.
• Aboriginal Grandmothers effectively engaged young pregnant women via community networks and promoted healthy lifestyles.

Conclusions:

• Multiple elements of the Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice Program successfully contributed to culturally competent service provision.
• These program features offer valuable insights for developing antenatal care models in other culturally diverse regions.