An accepted assumption that permeates much of contemporary Western culture and especially researc... more An accepted assumption that permeates much of contemporary Western culture and especially research contexts is the need to solve, fix and/or surmount perceived ‘problems’. Generally speaking, the moral imperative that informs this attitude is that the resulting resolutions will improve people’s lives. In turn and unfortunately, a pragmatism of haste can often accompany this goal. Perhaps nowhere else is this paradigm clearer than in the realm of medical care; medical institutions making it their raison d'être to cure illness and overcome disease as quickly and efficiently as possible. The palliative setting poses a unique conundrum for this way of thinking insofar as the fate awaiting terminal patients is inevitable death: something that cannot be remedied or negotiated. Despite this, the ‘solutions-based’ logic outlined above tends to prevail in these spaces, often tied up in models of care that routinely assume what patients (and, indeed, carers) need, how their identities are...
In the context of the equity/widening participation policy landscape in Australia, scholarly expl... more In the context of the equity/widening participation policy landscape in Australia, scholarly exploration of alternative pathways into higher education is becoming increasingly important to inform i...
Background: The end of life represents a therapeutic context that acutely raises cultural and lin... more Background: The end of life represents a therapeutic context that acutely raises cultural and linguistic specificities, yet there is very little evidence illustrating the importance of such dynamics in shaping choices, trajectories and care practices. Culture and language interplay to offer considerable potential challenges to both patient and provider, with further work needed to explore patient and caregiver perspectives across cultures and linguistic groups, and provider perspectives. The objective of this study was to develop a critical, evidence-based understanding of the experiences of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and their caregivers, in a palliative care setting. Methods: A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews to explore key experiences and perspectives of CALD patients and caregivers currently undergoing treatment under oncology or palliative care specialists in two Australian hospitals. Interviews were digitally audio recorded and transcribed in full. A thematic analysis was conducted utilising the framework approach. Results: Sixteen patients and fourteen caregivers from a range of CALD backgrounds participated in semistructured interviews. The research identified four prevalent themes among participants: (1) Terminology in the transition to palliative care; (2) Communication, culture and pain management; (3) (Not) Talking about death and dying; and, (4) Religious faith as a coping strategy: challenging the terminal diagnosis. Conclusions: CALD patients and caregivers' experiences are multifaceted, particularly in negotiating linguistic difficulties, beliefs about treatment, and issues related to death and dying. Greater attention is needed to develop effective communication skills, recognise CALD patients' particular cultural, linguistic and spiritual values and needs, and acknowledge the unique nature of each doctor-patient interaction.
An accepted assumption that permeates much of contemporary Western culture and especially researc... more An accepted assumption that permeates much of contemporary Western culture and especially research contexts is the need to solve, fix and/or surmount perceived ‘problems’. Generally speaking, the moral imperative that informs this attitude is that the resulting resolutions will improve people’s lives. In turn and unfortunately, a pragmatism of haste can often accompany this goal. Perhaps nowhere else is this paradigm clearer than in the realm of medical care; medical institutions making it their raison d'être to cure illness and overcome disease as quickly and efficiently as possible. The palliative setting poses a unique conundrum for this way of thinking insofar as the fate awaiting terminal patients is inevitable death: something that cannot be remedied or negotiated. Despite this, the ‘solutions-based’ logic outlined above tends to prevail in these spaces, often tied up in models of care that routinely assume what patients (and, indeed, carers) need, how their identities are...
In the context of the equity/widening participation policy landscape in Australia, scholarly expl... more In the context of the equity/widening participation policy landscape in Australia, scholarly exploration of alternative pathways into higher education is becoming increasingly important to inform i...
Background: The end of life represents a therapeutic context that acutely raises cultural and lin... more Background: The end of life represents a therapeutic context that acutely raises cultural and linguistic specificities, yet there is very little evidence illustrating the importance of such dynamics in shaping choices, trajectories and care practices. Culture and language interplay to offer considerable potential challenges to both patient and provider, with further work needed to explore patient and caregiver perspectives across cultures and linguistic groups, and provider perspectives. The objective of this study was to develop a critical, evidence-based understanding of the experiences of people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and their caregivers, in a palliative care setting. Methods: A qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews to explore key experiences and perspectives of CALD patients and caregivers currently undergoing treatment under oncology or palliative care specialists in two Australian hospitals. Interviews were digitally audio recorded and transcribed in full. A thematic analysis was conducted utilising the framework approach. Results: Sixteen patients and fourteen caregivers from a range of CALD backgrounds participated in semistructured interviews. The research identified four prevalent themes among participants: (1) Terminology in the transition to palliative care; (2) Communication, culture and pain management; (3) (Not) Talking about death and dying; and, (4) Religious faith as a coping strategy: challenging the terminal diagnosis. Conclusions: CALD patients and caregivers' experiences are multifaceted, particularly in negotiating linguistic difficulties, beliefs about treatment, and issues related to death and dying. Greater attention is needed to develop effective communication skills, recognise CALD patients' particular cultural, linguistic and spiritual values and needs, and acknowledge the unique nature of each doctor-patient interaction.
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Papers by Holi Birman