The 'right story' to the 'right person': communication issues in end-of-life care for Indigenous people

Abstract

Objectives: To explore communication issues faced by health care workers and Indigenous patients and their families in a palliative care setting. Effective communication with Aborigines is especially important because Aboriginal beliefs of health and sickness are so different from Western views. Method: Data were collected from 72 qualitative interviews conducted throughout the regional, rural and remote areas of the Northern Territory with Indigenous patients and carers and the health professionals who care for them. Results: Participants highlighted the struggle associated with effective communication when working in a cross-cultural setting at the interface of Indigenous and Western health care. The findings record the wisdom and insight from practitioners who have extensive experience dealing with communication difficulties.