Enhancing immunology based health sciences education for addressing health inequities - in the context of COVID-19

Abstract

Abstract Māori and Pacific peoples in Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Pacific Region, remain disproportionately and inequitably impacted and affected by a number of adverse health conditions. The global COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing inequities in health for different groups, including Māori and Pacific peoples. The consideration of addressing health inequities for Pacific peoples in the context of immunologically relevant health conditions, was explored in the online learning setting for the health sciences students. This work employed use of a Pacific method and means of communication and dialogue, known as Talanoa, that was adapted for the online learning setting as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Talanoa approach was utilised as a tool for students to try and gain better understanding of how to engage, communicate and tackle health inequities appropriately and effectively for Pacific peoples. Undergraduate health sciences students received instruction into the Talanoa approach for communication within the Pacific setting. Online opportunities for presentations and discussion pertaining to developing appropriate solutions to address health inequities for Pacific peoples were facilitated. Students were able to adopt and apply elements of Talanoa in their presentations, discussions and interactions in the online setting. This work highlights the importance of the inclusion of Talanoa, as a means for enhancing online immunology based health sciences education for addressing health inequities appropriately in the context of COVID-19. Wellington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Otago.