• Charles Sturt academic releases book co-edited with husband
• Textbook supports clinicians’ development of Indigenous Australian cultural competence
• The book features case studies from the community, allied health professionals, and nurses

A Charles Sturt University (Charles Sturt) academic and her husband have co-edited a textbook of real-life case studies in an effort to reinforce cultural competence in Indigenous healthcare.

Charles Sturt Associate Head of School (Students) and senior lecturer in the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health Dr Jessica Biles edited the book with her husband Mr Brett Biles, a proud Murrawarri man and Director of Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Medicine at University of NSW.

They consulted with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, nurses and allied health professionals to create Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing, which will be launched in Albury-Wodonga on Wednesday 11 September.

The Biles have noticed gaps in the healthcare system and the book was written to support undergraduate health students and clinicians to build their skills, knowledge and attitude to Indigenous Australian clients.

“It’s written using a strength-based approach, importantly celebrating the strength and power in Indigenous Australian communities,” Dr Biles said.

“We wanted to create something authentic and meaningful that supports the development of Indigenous Australian cultural competence.

“Cultural competence isn’t a linear skill, it’s something that is really messy requiring a level of discomfort from the clinician/undergraduate student.

“It requires the clinician to shift their own worldview and understand the view and preference of others.

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ Health and Wellbeing and associated multimedia resources have been an opportunity to progress this journey through listening to the healthcare experiences of local community members.”

Each chapter of the book is written by Indigenous and non-Indigenous nurses and allied health professionals and involves the commitment of more than 12 Charles Sturt staff.

The book will be launched at the Burraja Gallery in the Gateway Village complex in Albury-Wodonga from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday 11 September.

To attend please RSVP to Mr Biles at b.biles@unsw.edu.au.