Are you talking to me? : negotiating the challenge of cultural diversity in children's health care

Examining the interactions between families from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds and health professionals at Sydney Children's Hospital at Randwick and the Children's Hospital at Westmead, this document focuses on the potential cultural 'mismatches' in health service provision. It explores the need for a conceptual shift and practical changes to locate diversity health care as core business within paediatric health care services. It brings to light the experiences of CALD families as they access children's hospital services, and examines their ability to effectively navigate this health system in the face of a lack of familiarity with the health care system, diverse cultural beliefs, values and practices, as well as socio-economic and language issues, all of which may affect patient safety and the quality of short and long-term health care outcomes. Communication issues predominate, from the perspective of both the families and the health professionals. Other challenges facing CALD families with children who have long-term illnesses, particularly in relation to the provision and uptake of social support services, are also discussed.