introduction
Proposing unification between traditional healing and paramedics
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) is becoming increasingly popular globally, including the use of Rongoa (traditional Maori medicine).
New Zealand Maori maintain the highest incidences in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, smoking and other health conditions. Unfortunately, Maori adults and parents of Maori children have been shown to be less likely to trust their GP. In contrast, a renewed interest in Rongoa has been observed since the late 20th century.
As the scope of paramedic practice increases, particularly in areas such as Urgent Community Care (UCC) and Extended Care Paramedics (ECP), there becomes a greater opportunity to work with patients to develop longer term health plans. Paramedics have not traditionally been involved with continuing care of patients therefore this is a new, beneficial and privileged position to be in. Urgent Community Care (UCC) paramedics spend more time with patients and repeat call outs are becoming more common. This presents a chance to foster a more open dialogue about managing patients’ long term health in the intimate and relaxed setting of their own home. It is possible that in this setting, paramedics could be in a position to offer help and encouragement in a different light to that of their normal GP.
Increasingly, it has been recognised that in order to understand indigenous health, it is necessary to consider historical, cultural, and political forces. Threats come from many quarters often traceable to the process of colonisation and its almost universal accompaniments: depopulation, violence, dislocation, poverty and cultural repression.
If approached in a thoughtful manner, conceivably, the Maori population has the potential to exhibit the greatest improvement in health of any ethnic group in New Zealand. It is expected that improved integration of cultural and clinical competence should lead to better outcomes through improvements in communication, acceptability of treatment, adherence to treatment plans.
New Zealand Maori maintain the highest incidences in obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, smoking and other health conditions. Unfortunately, Maori adults and parents of Maori children have been shown to be less likely to trust their GP. In contrast, a renewed interest in Rongoa has been observed since the late 20th century.
As the scope of paramedic practice increases, particularly in areas such as Urgent Community Care (UCC) and Extended Care Paramedics (ECP), there becomes a greater opportunity to work with patients to develop longer term health plans. Paramedics have not traditionally been involved with continuing care of patients therefore this is a new, beneficial and privileged position to be in. Urgent Community Care (UCC) paramedics spend more time with patients and repeat call outs are becoming more common. This presents a chance to foster a more open dialogue about managing patients’ long term health in the intimate and relaxed setting of their own home. It is possible that in this setting, paramedics could be in a position to offer help and encouragement in a different light to that of their normal GP.
Increasingly, it has been recognised that in order to understand indigenous health, it is necessary to consider historical, cultural, and political forces. Threats come from many quarters often traceable to the process of colonisation and its almost universal accompaniments: depopulation, violence, dislocation, poverty and cultural repression.
If approached in a thoughtful manner, conceivably, the Maori population has the potential to exhibit the greatest improvement in health of any ethnic group in New Zealand. It is expected that improved integration of cultural and clinical competence should lead to better outcomes through improvements in communication, acceptability of treatment, adherence to treatment plans.