
TY  - JOUR
A1  - Pitama, Suzanne 
A1  - Ahuriri-Driscoll, Annabel 
A1  - Huria, Tania 
A1  - Lacey, Cameron 
A1  - Robertson, Paul 
T1  - The value of te reo in primary care
JF  - Journal of Primary Health Care
JO  - J Prim Health Care
Y1  - 2011
VL  - 3
IS  - 2
SP  - 123
EP  - 127
KW  - 
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1071/HC11123 
N2  - INTRODUCTION: The influence of indigeneity is widely recognised as a health determinant; however the impact of the utilisation of the indigenous language on health care has not been closely examined. AIM: To explore the Maori language (te reo) as a determinant of health from a Maori patient&#x92;s perspective. METHODS: Maori patients were recruited through Maori health networks and the snowballing technique. Thirty participants participated in one of three focus group interviews. A semi-structured interview explored the utilisation of health services, comfortability with service delivery and perceptions of general practice surgeries&#x92; cultural competency. Thematic analysis was utilised to interpret the data. RESULTS: Te reo was recognised as an important cultural competency, noted by participants as contributing to the development of appropriate doctor&#x96;patient relationships and their feelings of being valued within a practice. Patient-led use of te reo was identified as most appropriate, an indicator of quality of care. DISCUSSION: The training of primary care staff in te reo should be encouraged. Developed as a competency, this will see primary care settings better able to respond to Maori patients and in turn support Maori health gains. KEYWORDS: Maori health; Maori language; family practice; quality health indicators 
ER  -

