Experiences and perspectives of thriving (or not) as Māori and Pacific allied health professionals.

Abstract

Aim: To explore the perspectives and experiences of Māori and Pacific allied health professionals (AHPs) regarding what enables them to thrive or flourish in their first 2 years of practice, within a large public hospital setting.

Methods: A qualitative study grounded in shared Māori and Pacific peoples' values and practices was undertaken, which drew on tenets of appreciative inquiry (AI) with thematic analysis of wānanga talanoa (referring to traditional and culturally informed Māori and Pacific processes, which provide a physically, spiritually and culturally safe space for discussion, knowledge sharing and co-creating meaning). Participants were Māori or Pacific AHPs (n=11) employed at a publicly funded, urban health organisation.

Results: Three interrelated themes were constructed, including: 1) valuing cultural intelligence, 2) surviving, rather than thriving, and 3) it takes a village. Participants provided a range of ideas for how things could be different, which underpin tangible recommendations for health organisations to support Māori and Pacific AHPs to thrive.

Conclusion: Informed by both Māori and Pacific peoples' values and principles, this study highlighted experiences, challenges and opportunities relevant to thriving as Māori and Pacific AHPs in their first 2 years of practice. Rather than minimising the impact that negative experiences of ongoing colonisation and racism have on AHP wellbeing, the purposefully adopted strengths-based approach highlighted collective strengths and solutions for positive change.