Te Matahouroa: a feasibility trial combining Rongoā Māori and Western medicine in a surgical outpatient setting.

Abstract

Aim: This feasibility study was undertaken to implement and assess a Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing)/Western medicine collaboration model in a general surgical outpatient setting.

Methods: Six patients were recruited and consulted with both a Rongoā Māori practitioner and a Western trained surgeon three times in 6 months. Appointments were an average of 45 minutes duration, patient whānau (family) were welcome and kai (food) was provided as a culturally appropriate custom. Qualitative interviews were conducted with patients, whānau and practitioners after the final appointment with practitioners. The data were thematically analysed and reviewed by the team researchers.

Results: Seven themes were identified from the successful collaboration: benefits of Rongoā/medical collaboration to participants; the high value of healer/doctor relationships with participants; participants' experiences of healer/doctor collaboration; healer/doctor perceptions of the Rongoā/medical collaboration process; paying attention to the ecosystem of each participant; unanimous support for Rongoā/medical collaboration to be implemented in the health system; suggestions for Rongoā/medical collaboration improvement.

Conclusions: Many challenges remain, but collaboration between Rongoā Māori healing and Western health professionals in public hospitals is not only possible, but also meets the need for patient-centred care.