Culturally secure practice in midwifery education and service provision for Aboriginal women

This study arose from initiatives in Australian universities to include Aboriginal content in health professional training. It focused on midwifery students' responses to this content, their knowledge acquisition, attitude change, cultural immersion experiences and preparation for delivering culturally secure care to pregnant and birthing Aboriginal women. Findings revealed that an innovative unit designed with substantial Aboriginal input, and which privileges Aboriginal voices in the classroom, can enhance knowledge and shift attitudes in a positive direction, despite pockets of resistance. The extent to which these gains are sustained and applied in health settings to reduce Aboriginal women's discomfort requires further investigation.