The Social Determinants Of Health Care System - 1087 Words

Culture is the shared beliefs, customs, practices, way of life and languages of a group or community of people. Cultural diversity refers to the differences between these. Australia is made up of many interconnected, culturally diverse societies and as our country grows, so does our cultural diversity. Our primary health care system is riddled with conflict based upon religion, ethnicity, culture and beliefs. All people from all cultures have the same potential for health and disease but it is the social determinants of health that shape the inequities within the Australian health care system. The definition of health is fluid, ever changing and carries different meanings across individuals, societies and cultures. Although it is difficult†¦show more content†¦In order to provide culturally safe and effective primary health care for all we must address the social determinants of health that result in health inequities across our population. Some of the key determinants of health inequities that are seen across most cultures are language, education, lack of appropriate health infrastructure, employment and racism. Primary health care is the first point of access and entry point into the Australian health care system. An effective primary health care system gives priority to those most in need and addresses health inequalities; maximises community and individual self-reliance, participation and control; and involves collaboration and partnership with other sectors to promote public health. (APHCRI, 2009 p.22) Health care providers need to be culturally competent and aware of the assumptions that their own culture makes in order to effectively provide health care services with cultural sensitivity. What we deem appropriate, may cause extreme discomfort for some and we often make these assumptions unknowingly. Effective and culturally appropriate communication is the first step in achieving equity of access to health care. Non-verbal cues such as hand gestures, eye contact, smiling and other mannerisms differ between cultures and often affect how successful your health care interaction will be. (Fanany, R. 2012, p.232) Indigenous Australians take