Abstract
The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury is well recognised. The development of tools for these injuries in indigenous communities has been limited despite the well-documented disparity of brain injury. The wairua theory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Māori proposes that a culturally defined injury occurs in tandem with the physical injury. A cultural response is therefore indicated. This research investigates a Māori method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool designed to further examine needs associated with the culturally determined injury and in preparation for formal validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is a method used to develop better statements in the development of the assessment tool. Four wānanga (traditional fora) were held including one with whānau (extended family) with experience of traumatic brain injury. The approach was well received. A final version, Te Waka Kuaka, is now ready for validation. Whakawhiti kōrero is an indigenous method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool in Māori traumatic brain injury. This method is likely to have wider applicability, such as Mental Health and Addictions Services, to ensure robust process of outcome measure and needs assessment development.
Highlights
The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research is well recognized [1]
This study aimed to develop a new assessment tool, Te Waka Kuaka
Whakawhiti korero is an indigenous concept that brings a practice from Maori daily life to serve as a method in Rangahau Kaupapa Maori
Summary
The importance of tools for the measurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury (TBI) research is well recognized [1]. Maori are a steadily growing group, with a 6% increase in population compared to 2006 Population trends show this continuing growth (Statistics New Zealand [4])) are three times more likely to sustain a TBI secondary to violence and that overall incidence of Maori hospitalizations secondary to TBI were three times that of non-Maori [5]. There is a pressing need to develop culturally meaningful assessment measures for Maori. Such measures would help inform cultural competencies required in the workforce, service development, and the ability to monitor Maoridetermined outcomes.
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