Ma te Whakarongo-a qualitative study exploring the impact of middle ear disease on New Zealand Maori.

AIM: The study aimed to explore the impact of middle ear disease on the lives of New Zealand Maori. Ear disease is common, yet there is a paucity of research into the effect it has on people's lives, particularly indigenous populations. METHOD: The study used Kaupapa Maori-based qualitative methodology and involved a series of seven semi-structured interviews with Maori adults living with middle ear disease. RESULTS: All participants felt there were delays in recognition and treatment of their ear condition and that there were barriers to accessing healthcare. The ear condition prevented participation in cultural and recreational activities, particularly those involving water. The associated hearing loss affected education and employment opportunities, and together with ear discharge, resulted in social isolation and disconnection from Te Ao Maori (the Maori world). Overall, the condition impacted negatively on mental and spiritual wellbeing. Participants felt that funding for hearing aids, earlier recognition and treatment of the condition and healthcare staff with a better understanding of Te Ao Maori could reduce the morbidity associated with middle ear disease. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that living with middle ear disease presents many challenges and disadvantages for Maori and the importance of early detection and referral to specialist care.

He Wananga Whakarite: preparing Maori for surgical selection interviews.

BACKGROUND: Maori are significantly under-represented in the surgical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. There needs to be more effort and initiative action to address this lack of diversity in order to ultimately achieve proportionality so that more Maori surgeons are available to help treat and care for their communities. METHODS: An independent kaupapa Maori wananga (course) initiative, using a 'by Maori, for Maori' approach, and adhering to tikanga Maori (Maori lore and protocols) was developed to support and prepare Maori Non-Training Surgical Registrars for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Surgical Education and Training (SET) interviews. This paper reviews the inception of the wananga, its content, and shares experiences had by attendees. RESULTS: Those who attended this wananga agreed unanimously that this initiative dramatically improved their preparation for SET interviews. In 2020, the wananga produced a significant success rate amongst attendees with 80% of wananga attendees selected for SET training positions. CONCLUSION: This kaupapa Maori initiative illustrates a successful active measure that can be taken to support Maori doctors seeking selection in surgical training programmes. The initiative seeks to address inequity in the surgical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand.