Kaupapa Maori Action Research to improve heart disease services in Aotearoa, New Zealand

Kaupapa Maori Action Research "by Maori for Maori"
Maori Worldview
Action Research
Enquiry
Data collection
Analysis and action
Reflection on impacts
Interviewing
Relationship building with whanau (family) and community Maori in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland)

In this article, researchers utilize the framework of Kaupapa Maori in order to understand and better investigate concerns when it comes to ischaemic heart disease among Maori. In Aotearoa New Zealand heart disease is one of the leading causes of death and Maori are disproportionately affected within the country. Ischaemic heart disease was raised as a health concern for Maori and being able to address it in a culturally relevant. Utilizing a kaupapa Maori approach in the research allowed researchers and community to form relationships which led the project in an empowered and self-determined way. What was identified is the importance of creating access and care for Maori to enter health care in a supportive and empowered manner. Kaupapa Maori research in this way allows for whanau (family) and larger community members to be present when engaging in the research and being able to co-design outcomes and strategies for bettering health services.

Kaupapa Maori research
Action-based research

Maori aspirations for social change (pg. 16)
Community, family and individual participation and ideas for change
Utilizing qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods for action planning and implementing change – then evaluating the results
Aimed to improve health care practice and address existing health inequity for Indigenous people
Maori access to health care and pathways for management of heart disease
kaupapa Maori design/action research
improving healthcare for Maori and whanau through access

Interviews, hui (Maori gatherings/meetings),
Thematic analysis

Outcomes and changes in health care system
Health care professionals challenged about their assumptions and practices

"Kaupapa Maori Research naturalises Maori epistemologies, methodologies and
practices so that Maori are not articulated as the 'other'. Action Research works in
empowering, participatory ways (Reason and Bradbury 2006) to generate research-based
solutions to problems that impact on the well-being of the people and
communities." (pg. 16)
"Our findings emphasise the potential of action with patients and whanau , the
health system and individual practitioners, towards improved prevention and
management of ischaemic heart disease in the Maori population. Kaupapa Maori
Action Research represents a significant tool in opportunities to work with Maori
communities toward the goals of health equity supported by recent work on the
social determinants of health promoted by the World Health Organization (CSDH
2007)" (pg. 29)

Health
Indigenous health
Maori research
participatory research