This research project videotaped a small number of simulated interactions between non-Aboriginal health professionals and Aboriginal clients to examine communication difficulties that occur in health care. Miscommunication occurred as a result of linguistic, pragmatic and cultural factors. Participants were aware of some, but not all instances of miscommunication. Interpreters were used, along with various other strategies, to try to improve communication. When miscommunication occurs in real interactions it can have serious health, emotional, financial and legal implications. The study concluded that intercultural training and interpreter use are crucial to improving communication between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in health care.
Click here to download the full report of this study by Franceska Edis,
a speech pathologist who has worked extensively with Aboriginal people
in Northeast Arnhemland and in Darwin.