Maori Health Plan
Date Approved: 09/07/2023
Purpose:
To ensure that Maori patients have at least as good health outcomes as non-maori patients.
Overview:
- Maori have lower life expectancy than non-maori. The life-span gap is significant with Maori men having a life expectancy of 73 years and Maori women having a life expectancy of 77 years. Non-Maori comparatively have a life expectancy of 80 and 84 years respectively
- Chronic conditions: Maori have higher rates of chronic conditions, such as diabetes and obesity which can lead to long-term health complications. These conditions often occur at younger ages for Maori compared to non-Maori
- Child Health: Maori children experience higher rates of hospitalisations and poorer health outcomes compared to non-Maori children. This includes higher rates of respiratory illness, rheumatic fever and injuries
- Mental health: Maori have higher rates of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and suicide. The social and cultural determinants of health, historical trauma and systemic factors contribute to these disparities.
- Access to Healthcare: Maori face barriers to accessing healthcare services and are referred through for secondary care at lower rates than non-Maori despite carrying a disproportionate burden of disease
- Cultural safety: Evidence shows that Maori are more likely to face discrimination or be less satisfied with their healthcare experience than non-Maori. These factors greatly impact the quality and effectiveness of care received by Maori.
Policy:
We will work towards our purpose as described above by doing the following:
1. Cultural competency
- Ensure all staff undertake cultural competency training to enhance understanding and respect of Maori culture, values and practice
- Encourage the use of Te reo Maoriin patient interactions and signage in the clinic
- Emphasis will be on ensuring the correct pronunciation of Maori names for patient (and staff)
- Ensure all staff know the name of the mana whenua of the land where our clinic is located
2.Whanau-centered Care
- recognise the importance of whanau in maori health and ensure there are means to include whanau in consultations and in any decision-making process for patients.
3. Health Promotion
- Make available health promotion materials and resources in Te Reo Maori, or materials in collaboration with Maori Health Providers and community leaders
- Ensure all staff have an understanding of the scope of Maori health providers in Christchurch (have a hand-out available)
4. Accessible and Equitable Care:
- Implement strategies to reduce barriers to healthcare access for Maori patients such as flexible appointment times (i.e. seeing a walk-in patient if necessary) and home visits are appropriate
- Advocate the use of the Meihana model of care that is evidence-based and ensures, when utilised, that Maori receive not only culturally safe care, but best practice care.
5. Health Outcome Monitoring
- Collect and analyse through routine audits ethnic-specific health data to identify disparities and track progress in Maori health outcomes
- Regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of the Maori health plan, ensure its ongoing relevance and impact