Development of a Culturally Responsive Workforce in Urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Introduction: A partnership between a community-controlled health organisation and a university enabled the development of a regionally coordinated model of health student practicums. The aim of this study was to evaluate students’ perceptions of these placements in developing their capacity to provide culturally responsive care. Methods: Students completed a post placement survey involving 15 five-point Likert items on their perceptions of the learning environment, skills development, awareness and self-development, and supervision. Written responses to two open-ended items on positive or negative aspects of the practicum were thematically analysed. Results: The student placement model facilitated increased numbers and diversity of clinical placement of health students within urban First Australian health. 241 students from various disciplines completed the survey from 2011-2016. Most students were satisfied with the quality of their placement (82%) and believed it was a supportive learning environment (87%). Most indicated greater awareness of First Australian culture (89%) and health concerns (87%), and believed their clinical skills were enhanced (79%). Discussion: These results support the efficacy of regionally coordinating clinical placements with First Australians in urban contexts as a means of cultivating a culturally responsive healthcare workforce. Future research needs to involve pre-and post-measures and link student outcomes with improved client outcomes.