Blood: Understanding Thoughts, Feelings, and Beliefs Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples Have About Blood, Blood Donation, and Blood Transfusions

This thesis explored Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples' beliefs about blood, blood donation, and blood transfusion through qualitative yarning sessions with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander participants and health practitioners. Thematic analysis identified the connections that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples have to blood, including connections to family, culture, kinship and Country. Additionally, health practitioners' understanding of ‘Cultural Safety’ in health care settings was explored. Results indicated that, despite being familiar with the term ‘Cultural Awareness’, a gap exists in their knowledge as to the principles underpinning Cultural Safety.