Cultural respect is essential for effective health service delivery to people of all backgrounds, but is
especially significant in the context of the unacceptably poor health outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Peoples. This assignment has been designed to provide students with an
opportunity to explore their own perceptions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and the
consequences of personal bias for culturally safe nursing practice.
Following viewing a video in out of class time, students will prepare an essay which will analyse
interpersonal and intrapersonal communication and the effect this has on the quality and safety of
experiences of patients and consumers of health care. The essay will further include discussion of
the connotations of bias for nursing practice and how it may impact the ability to deliver culturally safe
and respectful care.