This presentation examines the growing number of cultural frameworks and approaches which may be useful if not essential to improving diabetes education and management, especially for Indigenous clients. Cultural competency, cultural respect, cultural awareness, cultural safety and other current frameworks all construct culture as a key element in influencing behaviour, attitudes, knowledge and beliefs. The dilemma for health professionals may be in determining which approach holds the best opportunity for improving outcomes in their particular contexts.

This presentation, following on from a previous presentation in 2012, will provide a brief overview of a range of approaches, with emphasis on the philosophy of cultural safety. Cultural safety views culture as more than a focus on ethnic difference. It considers the impact of difference in terms of age, gender, socioeconomic status, religion, and more. Through this presentation, the principles of cultural safety will be applied to a number of scenarios relevant to diabetes education and management. Examples will stem mostly from Indigenous practice settings; however the principles outlined will have relevance for those working in other cultural contexts.