This research seeks to understand the nuances of relationships between families and physiotherapists to better facilitate collaboration and promote engagement both at an individual and community level.
One qualitative study using Talanoa dialogue was conducted in a health professional supported Pacific community playgroup in the Otago region, Aotearoa New Zealand. One overarching theme of a ‘sense of belonging’ and of feeling connected to the Pasifika culture was determined. The community playgroup provides a safe environment where members of the Pacific Trust Otago can come together in a culturally meaningful way. Talanoa communication facilitates collaboration and co-design of a culturally responsive community group and is made possible through built relationships. This information may be used to foster the co-design of other healthcare supported community environments, strengthening trust and communication between Pasifika and healthcare providers.
Another qualitative study aimed to promote engagement between physiotherapists and whānau who have tamariki Māori by identifying key components of their childcare facility that are culturally important. This study identified that whānau values and aspirations for their child were strongly valued and that access to care was the key determinant regarding whānau engagement. The themes and subthemes discovered in this study were interconnected and difficult to separate into distinct categories, resembling the inherent connectedness and interdependence of all things in Te Ao Māori. This study suggests that Physiotherapists should aspire to explore the variety of influences on their patient’s health to identify areas in which they can improve engagement.
Publications
Drysdale, D., Sanerivi, O, Perry, M., Smith, D. & Carrington, L. (2022) Perceptions of Pasifika caregivers on a Pacific community playgroup and implications for paediatric Physiotherapists. Journal of Physiotherapy New Zealand. 50(2), 72-81. https://doi.org/10.15619/NZJP/50.2.04
Taylor, M., Carrington, L., Smith, D., Bryant, K., Sanerivi, O., & Perry, M., (2022) Perceptions of caregivers of Māori children attending Māori-centred childcare. Health Research Council of New Zealand, Summer Studentship Report.