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Genetic counseling for Indigenous Australians: an exploratory study from the perspective of genetic health professionals
journal contribution
posted on 2015-08-01, 00:00 authored by Emma KowalEmma Kowal, L Gallacher, I Macciocca, M SahharIndigenous populations are thought to have particularly low levels of access to genetic health services, and cultural issues may be a contributing factor. This article presents the findings of the first study of genetic health service provision to Indigenous Australians. This qualitative study aimed to identify elements of culturally-competent genetic health service provision in Indigenous Australian contexts. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted with genetic counselors and clinical geneticists from around Australia who had delivered services to Indigenous Australians. Participants were asked to describe their experiences and identify any collective cultural needs of Indigenous clients, as well as comment on specific training and resources they had received or used. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed with thematic analysis conducted on the data. The findings show that participants were reluctant to generalize the needs of Indigenous peoples. Some participants asserted that Indigenous peoples have needs that differ from the general population, while others felt that there were no collective cultural needs, instead advocating an individualized approach. Being flexible and practical, taking time to build rapport, recognizing different family structures and decision-making processes, as well as socio-economic disadvantage were all identified as important factors in participants' interactions with Indigenous clients. Indigenous support workers and hospital liaison officers were seen as valuable resources for effective service provision. The implications of this study for training and practice are discussed.
History
Journal
Journal of genetic counselingVolume
24Issue
4Pagination
597 - 607Publisher
SpringerLocation
Berlin, GermanyPublisher DOI
ISSN
1573-3599eISSN
1573-3599Indigenous content
This research output may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur.Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal; C Journal articleCopyright notice
2014, SpringerUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Aboriginal and Torres Strait IslandersAccessCultural competenceCultureGenetic counselingGenetic health servicesIndigenous AustraliansScience & TechnologySocial SciencesLife Sciences & BiomedicineGenetics & HeredityHealth Policy & ServicesSocial Sciences, BiomedicalHealth Care Sciences & ServicesBiomedical Social SciencesNEW-ZEALANDCAREPEOPLE
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