ABSTRACT
AIM: This feasibility study was undertaken to implement and assess a Rongoa Maori (traditional Maori healing)/Western medicine collaboration model in a general surgical outpatient setting. METHODS: Six patients were recruited and consulted with both a Rongoa Maori practitioner and a Western trained surgeon three times in 6 months. Appointments were an average of 45 minutes duration, patient whanau (family) were welcome and kai (food) was provided as a culturally appropriate custom. Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients, whanau and practitioners after the final appointment with practitioners. The data were thematically analysed and reviewed by the team researchers. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified from the successful collaboration: benefits of Rongoa/medical collaboration to participants; the high value of healer/doctor relationships with participants; participants' experiences of healer/doctor collaboration; healer/doctor perceptions of the Rongoa/medical collaboration process; paying attention to the ecosystem of each participant; unanimous support for Rongoa/medical collaboration to be implemented in the health system; suggestions for Rongoa/medical collaboration improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Many challenges remain, but collaboration between Rongoa Maori healing and Western health professionals in public hospitals is not only possible, but also meets the need for patient-centred care.
Subject(s)
Feasibility Studies , Medicine, Traditional , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Humans , New Zealand , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Adult , Health Services, Indigenous/organization & administration , Aged , Maori PeopleABSTRACT
In Rongoa Maori (traditional Maori healing), the connection with the land stems from seeing Papatuanuku/Mother Earth as a part of our identity/whakapapa (genealogy), our culture, and our wellbeing. This qualitative study aimed to explore the holistic nature and meaning of Rongoa Maori. There were 49 practitioner and patient participants who participated in semi-structured interviews and focus groups across Aotearoa/New Zealand. The findings showed four themes: land as an intrinsic part of identity; land as a site and source of healing; reciprocity of the healing relationship; and the importance of kaitiakitanga/conservation to Rongoa Maori. Participants shared narratives of connections between the people and the land that showed that when the land is well, the people are well. Implications of these themes for Indigenous wellbeing and the conservation and protection of our natural environments led to three recommendations to reconnect with the land, support Rongoa Maori healing, and to participate in the conservation and preservation of local land and waterways. It is hoped that in learning more about the connection between the land and Rongoa Maori healing, we begin to place greater value on the need to conserve and preserve both the land and our connections to her through traditional healing practices.