The term “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander” is used respectfully and inclusively throughout this book, acknowledging that there are many cultural differences between and within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The terms “Indigenous” and “First Nations” are generally used to refer to Indigenous peoples globally. For ease of reading, the term “non-Indigenous” is used to refer to people who do not identify as Indigenous.
Throughout this book, we use the term “client” rather than “patient”. This is consistent with the conception of PHC as more than clinical care, and the shift from a medical-centric model of care in which patients “receive treatment” to models that empower people in decisions about their health-related needs and care.