What are CALD communities?
When we refer to ‘culturally and linguistically diverse’ (CALD) communities, we are generally describing groups of people that may differ from the English speaking majority in terms of common heritage, beliefs, traditions, religion, physical appearance or language.
Why we need to be culturally sensitive
“I went to the dentist. I brought my family along to help me understand. I thought I was getting a filling but they pulled my tooth out. This was against my will.”
Research participant, Language Services in Victoria’s Health System: Perspectives of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Consumers, 2006.
Good quality oral health can only be achieved where there is good communication and understanding between clinicians and patients. It is the responsibility of DHSV to ensure that good communication is achieved with all of our patients.
We must provide a culturally appropriate service to CALD communities in Victoria, which:
- addresses inequities
- delivers services and programs which are culturally accessible and
- provides information that is culturally appropriate and accessible.
These requirements are not optional or additional to mainstream services, but fundamental requirements.
Key points
Key things to remember when working with people from a background different to your own:
- Respect age and use people’s titles as a matter of course.
- Confirm with each patient how he or she wishes to be addressed.
- Use professional interpreters; never use family members
- Insist on same-gender interpreters where possible
- Do not use colloquialisms or jokes – they do not translate, and are hard for non-native speakers to understand. Humour is culture based.
- Explain the reason for your questions and procedures.
- Do not make assumptions about a patient on the basis of ‘culture.’
- Recognise that clients are the experts on their needs and should be consulted as such.
- Recognise that our own behaviour and language are also culturally determined, but do not exclusively determine our choices and behaviour.
- Accept that when people communicate with each other using different languages, barriers will exist. We can not always avoid them but we can minimise their effects.
To learn more about working with patients from CALD communities, download the CALD resource kit provided below.
Resources
CALD resource kit (PDF, 512KB)
This kit has been developed to help DHSV staff deliver a culturally sensitive service that meets the needs of diverse communities and clients, identifying systemic barriers and suggesting strategies that can help overcome them.
Community fact sheets:
http://www.multicultural.vic.gov.au/population-and-migration/victorias-diversity/community-fact-sheets
Engaging CALD communities to inform or consult:
http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/multicultural/html/engagement.htm