Findings image
Kia ora - here is an overview of the initial findings from this research:

•Cultural responsiveness to Māori extends beyond the cultural safety of practice
•Cultural responsiveness in service delivery is about situating the service within Te Ao Māori (the Māori world)
•Making connections and building relationships are fundamental components of culturally responsive practice
•Negative experiences with WCTO services (and other services) contribute to the mistrust whānau have towards health services

Cultural responsiveness is about the environment in which culturally safe practice is delivered. It is about the nurse knowing themselves and their impact on others, but it is also about creating space for difference. Historically services have required whānau to 'fit within the parameters of the service. In order for Māori to engage with and see value in WCTO services, services need to fit within what Te Ao Māori looks like for whānau.
Whānau need WCTO to connect with them and their tamariki at a deeper level. This is often described as being 'felt' or a 'vibe' relating to whether someone is trustworthy. The history of a service and whānau relationships with a service have an impact on willingness to engage. This is strongly influenced by the relationships established at the first meeting. Also continuity of care is important. Whānau do not want to build relationships with multiple nurses and people. The value of a nurse working well with whānau cannot be underestimated and should not be sacrificed at hand of organisational business decisions.

To read the full thesis please click here: https://openrepository.aut.ac.nz/handle/10292/14007