Question

A 38-year-old Cree woman with long-standing type 2 diabetes attends your urban internal medicine clinic. She describes previous experiences of racism in hospital and says she nearly avoided coming today because she "expected not to be listened to". As her physician, what is the most appropriate first response to support culturally safe care?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her experience, apologise for the harm she has felt, and ask what would help her feel safe in this visit while reflecting on your own biases

Answer

Focus the visit strictly on optimising her glycaemic control and avoid discussing past experiences

Answer

Explain that racism is unlikely in your institution and redirect the conversation to investigations

Answer

Immediately refer her to a non-Indigenous colleague to avoid appearing paternalistic

Answer

Provide written information on diabetes and schedule a shorter follow-up to minimise time in clinic

Practice question