Indigenous understanding of hospice and palliative care : findings from an Australian study

The following article presents findings from a study conducted in the Northern Territory of Australia that explores indigenous peoples' understanding of the Western notion of palliative care and hospice. The findings provide practical insights into the problems occurring at the interface of Western palliative care and traditional Indigenous care of the dying. In so doing, the findings can inform the development of service provision for all involved in end-of-life care for Aboriginal people. If palliative care is to be introduced to Aboriginal people, it is imperative that it be done in a culturally appropriate way.