A Kaupapa Māori Approach to Exploring the Experiences of Māori Paramedicine Tauira: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Māori face significant inequities in health care, access and outcomes. One approach to reducing these inequities is to increase Māori representation in the health workforce, including paramedicine. Despite this, Māori remain underrepresented in paramedicine, from tertiary education to the paramedic workforce, with limited research understanding this gap. This study aimed to explore the experiences of Māori paramedicine tauira (students) at Auckland University of Technology, Aotearoa New Zealand.

Methods: This qualitative study, underpinned by a kaupapa Māori methodology, involved an in-depth, full-day wānanga with seven Māori paramedicine tauira. The research aimed to understand the key barriers and enablers that influenced tauira Māori participation and engagement in paramedic tertiary education. A general inductive approach, underpinned by kaupapa Māori principles, was employed to analyse tauira Māori experiences.

Results: Three key themes were identified: (1) Mana-Enhancing Environments and Experiences, (2) The Impact of Westernised Institutions, and (3) Cultural Safety within Institutions. Māori paramedicine tauira identified culturally appropriate teaching practices, culturally safe learning environments and supportive relationships as key factors contributing to positive, mana-enhancing experiences. Key barriers to their experiences and participation were identified as culturally inappropriate teaching practices, culturally unsafe learning environments and placements, a lack of Māori-focused content and insufficient cultural safety education.

Study Implications: The findings of this study suggest significant implications for improving Indigenous participation and engagement in paramedic tertiary education. By identifying and addressing barriers to participation and engagement, it is possible to improve the experiences and completion of paramedic qualifications among Indigenous peoples. This, in turn, can increase Indigenous representation in the ambulatory workforce and contribute to mitigating health inequities faced by Indigenous communities.