Enhancing Awareness of Cultural Safety Among Midwifery Academics

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Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Nursing & Midwifery
Griffith Health
This PhD aimed to improve awareness of Cultural Safety amongst midwifery academics. The provision of culturally safe educational experiences and learning and teaching practices are key strategies to improving the academic success of First Peoples students. This PhD thesis with publication is presented in nine chapters and consists of six manuscripts which have been published or are under review. The first chapter introduces the background, aim, significance, and an overview of the studies. Chapter two is presented in three parts. Part one explores the intersection between my PhD research program, my position as a non-Indigenous researcher, and my reflexive self. Part two outlines the development of a conceptual framework that underpins this research. A reframed standpoint theory was developed that blends cultural, Indigenous and feminist standpoint theories. This reframed standpoint theory guided the mixed methods used across this PhD program and is described in Part three. Study one was an integrative systematic review of educational strategies to promote academic success and resilience in undergraduate Indigenous students. The included papers were critiqued from a standpoint theory approach that reflected feminism, cultural respect, and humanism. Key strategies for Indigenous student success were found to be multi-faceted and underpinned by principles of respect, relationships, and responsibility. The review identified a relative lack of published research in this field and few validated measures. Study two was an integrative review of the literature on the scope and efficacy of professional development interventions to increase awareness of Cultural Safety by midwifery academics. Papers were assessed using the Critical Appraisals Skills Program (CASP) guidelines. Concepts were mapped thematically. Five broad themes emerged: Cultural Terms, Knowledge of Culture, Cultural Education, Cultural Aspirations/Desire and Culture in Curricula. This study found no agreed be