Supporting scientific knowledge communication and translation efforts by engaging appropriately with the Pacific audience

Abstract

Abstract It is recognised that Indigenous Māori and Pacific Peoples are affected disproportionately by Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD). Rates of ARF and RHD in New Zealand and the Pacific Region are of concern. Appropriate community engagement and knowledge translation efforts that support dissemination of research work and findings of relevance to Pacific populations, are of importance for effective dialogue. Efforts to communicate scientific research work and engage appropriately with Pacific communities and audiences have been limited, and require cultural considerations to ensure communication and interactions are culturally appropriate, clear and meaningful. The purpose of this work was to facilitate discussion between researchers and Pacific communities, regarding ARF and RHD Penicillin related research works of direct relevance and importance to Pacific communities in the Wellington area. Led by a Pacific Biomedical Scientist and supported by University Pacific staff and Medical students, a Pacific Fono (gathering) outreach event in the Hutt Valley was held on the 24th July, 2018. Scientific information and research work with immunological components related to ARF and RHD were presented, followed by a question answer session. Members of the Pacific community that attended represented different Pacific population groups with written and verbal feedback indicating the event had been informative and was enjoyed by those in attendance. This scientific knowledge translation and science communication event demonstrated appropriate engagement had been achieved to support dialogue between researchers and the Pacific community, regarding ARF and RHD Penicillin related research efforts.