An Introduction to Cultural Safety

An Introduction to Cultural Safety defines, examines and positions the concept of cultural safety, until now associated primarily with New Zealand, in an international context to provide a theoretical and practical resource for students and health care professionals.

The book’s starting point is the thesis that nurses and health professionals contribute to creating the health care and social environments they are part of. These environments are power-laden with values and attitudes, and nurses must understand that, where there is a difference in power between the health care provider and the recipient of care, there is a need for culturally safe practice. It:






offers a different perspective on culture from the more traditional notions currently in use in health care, and takes an approach grounded in every day practice






provides the reader with the necessary concepts and critical vocabulary to enable them to understand and analyse the way power plays out in health care relationships






equips the student with the skills, knowledge and reflective analytical frameworks they need to create environments that protect the identity and wellbeing of people using health services

The volume is ideally suited to students, academics and health professionals interested in examining cultural diversity, indigenous health, and global health and culture.