Evaluating the Suitability of the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression for Māori in Forensic Mental Health Services in New Zealand: A Qualitative Descriptive Study, Enhanced by Aspects of Participatory Action Research

Abstract

In New Zealand, service users who are Māori (Indigenous people of New Zealand) comprise roughly half of the population in forensic mental health services (FMHS). An actuarial risk assessment instrument, the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression (DASA) has been introduced to reduce the risk of imminent inpatient aggression, which is prevalent in such services. The current study is a qualitative descriptive design, enhanced by aspects of participatory action research, to evaluate the suitability of the DASA for Māori from a Māori perspective. Two hui (a Māori gathering) were held with seven Māori nurses and a Māori cultural advisor from a FMHS. The first hui (n = 7) explored Māori perspectives on the strengths, limitations and suitability of the DASA for Māori, and the second hui (n = 6) reflected on appropriate adaptations to the measure. The findings of this study confirmed support for using the DASA with Māori. However, five recommendations were made for adaptations for cultural enhancement. Such cultural enhancement would require further refining with Māori cultural advisors and psychometric testing to ensure the validity and reliability of the DASA for Māori.