Miss Sarah Penney1, Dr Bridget Dicker1,2, Dr Matire Harwood3
1Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand, 2Hato Hone St John, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand, 3University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Biography:
Sarah is a registered paramedic in Aotearoa New Zealand and a paramedic lecturer and a Kaupapa Māori researcher at Auckland University of Technology. She has recently completed her Master's of Philosophy exploring experiences of cultural safety for Māori and whānau receiving cardiac care from ambulance personnel.
Abstract:
Aim
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of health loss and mortality in Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), with Māori experiencing significant CVD-related inequities that result from unequal access to health determinants, healthcare services, and quality of care received. While research in AoNZ shows that Māori face poorer healthcare experiences across the system, there is limited research regarding Māori experiences in the pre-hospital setting.
This study aimed to explore the experiences of Māori patients and their whānau when receiving pre-hospital cardiovascular care from paramedics.
Method
This study utilised a qualitative descriptive design with Kaupapa Māori underpinnings. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Māori patients and/or whānau who utilised ambulance services for cardiac symptoms, with interviews then analysed using a general inductive approach.
Results
Participants highlighted the importance of culturally appropriate communication, as well as the need to establish trust and build connections. Barriers to accessing ambulance services included limited personal and community resources, particularly in rural areas, along with workforce challenges, such as a lack of representation amongst paramedics. Participants also highlighted the impact of heart health on Māori communities and expressed a desire for improved preventative care.
These findings suggest that ambulance services could play a significant role in addressing heart health disparities for Māori.
Conclusion
While fewer instances of interpersonal discrimination were reported compared to other studies, systemic and structural inequities were still present. Thus, enhancing workforce representation, prioritising cultural safety education and addressing resource gaps is necessary to improve experiences and outcomes for Māori pre-hospitably.