Principle

Elements

Indicators

1.

Demonstrates the ability to apply the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi

• Understand the Treaty of Waitangi and its relevance to the health of Māori in Aotearoa / New Zealand.
• Demonstrates knowledge of differing health status of Maori and non-Māori.

• Incorporates a Treaty Workshop or some form of Treaty learning as part of CPD during career.

2.

Demonstrates safe cultural practice

• Demonstrates willingness to communicate effectively cross culturally.
• Practises in a manner that acknowledges beliefs and attitudes may vary across cultures.
• Applies the principles of being culturally safe in own practice.
• Encourages safe cultural practice within the workplace.
• Does not assume all patients share the same world view.
• Assists the patient in obtaining cultural support or representation as appropriate.

• Recognises that the verbal and non verbal communication styles of patients may differ and adapt as required.
• Language barriers are addressed; use of interpreter is encouraged where appropriate.
• Asks if all information has been understood.
• Considers cultural information volunteered by the patient when completing assessment, diagnosis and formulation of management plan.
• Seeks assistance when necessary to better understand the patients cultural needs.
• Acknowledges that own beliefs and practises may differ from others but should not impact on the provision of competent optometric care.
• Communicates with patient advocate regarding care planning where appropriate.
• Care and treatment plan are negotiated by optometrist, patient, and family or advocate where appropriate.

3.

Reflects on own practice and values that impact on patients cultural safety

• Recognises own beliefs, values and prejudices that may arise in relation to patients ethnicity, age, culture, beliefs, gender, sexual orientation or disability.
• Acknowledges when ability to provide care is inhibited by own personal attributes and seeks alternative means of attaining patients cultural safety.
• Validates own processes are culturally safe especially when advising trainees/colleagues.

• Does not impose own values on patients.
• There is evidence of appropriate use of referral to an alternative practitioner.

4.

Continues professional development in terms of cultural competency

• Understands the need for ongoing cultural competence education and training for both clinical and support staff.

• Incorporates cultural competence training as part of CPD programme.

5.

Works towards being culturally competent in a broad sense, for improved health outcomes for all New Zealanders

• Develops and maintains an awareness of the cultural composition within the local community.

• Develops strategies to improve access to optometry services for those groups.