Cultural Safety in Paramedic Practice: Experiences of Māori and Their Whānau Who Have Received Acute Pre-Hospital Care for Cardiac Symptoms from Paramedics

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular disease is a major health issue for Māori that requires timely and effective first-response care. Māori report culturally unsafe experiences in health care, resulting in poor health outcomes. Research in the pre-hospital context is lacking. This study aimed to explore experiences of cultural (un)safety for Māori and their whānau who received acute pre-hospital cardiovascular care from paramedics.

Methods Utilising a qualitative descriptive methodology and Kaupapa Māori Research (KMR), in-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 Māori patients and/or whānau, and a general inductive approach was used for analysis.

Results Three key themes were identified: (1) interpersonal workforce skills, (2) access and service factors and (3) active protection of Māori. Participants described paramedics’ clinical knowledge and interpersonal skills, including appropriate communication and ability to connect. Barriers to accessing ambulance services included limited personal and community resources and workforce issues. The impact of heart health on communities and desire for better preventative care highlighted the role of ambulance services in heart health.

Conclusion Māori experience culturally unsafe pre-hospital care. Systemic and structural barriers were found to be harmful despite there being fewer reports of interpersonal discrimination than in previous research. Efforts to address workforce representation, resource disparities and cultural safety education (focussing on communication, partnership and connection) are warranted to improve experiences and outcomes for Māori.