Monash University Handbook 2010 Undergraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will provide students with an enhanced understanding of the role culture plays in the lives of people from different backgrounds, the role of culture on health beliefs and the implications for health professionals. The unit will explore cultural safely and cultural responsiveness using the NH&MRC National Guidelines for Cultural Competence in Health as a framework. Students will be provided with the opportunity to explore their own values and beliefs and contrast these with the values and beliefs of others in the community. The unit will use various community-based clinical and social issues as a vehicle to enable students to engage with and develop skills in applying the principles of cultural responsiveness in health care delivery in the setting of our increasingly culturally diverse community. This unit will underpin the 'Cultural Responsiveness" theme in the respective courses which will be enhanced throughout subsequent units in the respective degrees.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to:

• Define the notion of 'culture' and how it manifests in society;
• Identify own personal values and beliefs related to health beliefs and contrast these with the values and beliefs of others in the community;
• Describe the impact of cultural diversity on health status;
• Describe the evolution of cultural awareness with regard to prevailing theories and models;
• Discuss the principles of cultural responsiveness;
• Outline the main points underpinning the NH&MRC National Guidelines for Cultural Competency in Health and guidelines for Ethical Research in Indigenous Studies;
• Demonstrate the communication skills and attitudes required of health professionals in providing culturally responsive health care
• Apply the principles of cultural responsiveness to achieve optimal outcomes for particular cultural groups.

Assessment

Formative:
Feedback from guided learning exercises weekly.

Summative:
+Assignment 50%, 2,500 words
+Group Learning Contract 15%, 500 words
+Group Presentation 35%, 15 minute

Contact hours

24 Lecture Hours, 12 tutorial hours or online learning activities, 36 hours directed reading activities, 80 hours student directed.