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The potential of allied health in primary health services for Pacific peoples

Year:
2024
Duration:
15 months
Approved budget:
$134,618.40
Researchers:
Mr Oka Sanerivi
,
Professor Leigh Hale
,
Dr Samantha Holdsworth
,
Mr Christopher Higgs
,
Professor Faafetai Sopoaga
,
Dr Patrick McHugh
Host:
Mātai Medical Research Institute
Proposal type:
Health Delivery Research Development Award
Lay summary
This research aims to investigate the current and potential utilisation of allied health professionals in enhancing primary health service delivery with Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite the growing awareness of the allied health workforce in primary health teams, there is a risk that the full potential of allied health workforce in meeting the health needs of Pacific peoples is underestimated. Talanoa (narrative dialogue) interviews will be conducted with Pacific and non-Pacific alllied health professionals, primary health service managers, clinical directors and health policy makers. Part of the talanoa process would include the presentation of the Fau’olo framework, a conceptual model of Samoan cultural safety developed through the applicants’ doctoral research, with the view of exploring the framework's potential in guiding culturally safe health service delivery. An outcome of the research would include recommendations for the roles of allied health in meeting Pacific health needs in primary health settings.