Enabling Action: Re-envisaging Education of Health Professionals in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Health care in Aotearoa New Zealand is changing with the aim of becoming truly universal. Development of a new curriculum model in the education of health professionals can aid this goal through increased focus on community needs and flexibility for multiple health professional registrations. Universal health care and disability support is promoted as a defining feature of Aotearoa New Zealand, yet inequities are blatantly evident, with increasing calls for equity. Complexity of the issue and the multitude of stakeholders favour action research founded on Vision Matāuranga, a problem-solving philosophy based on the innovation potential of Māori knowledge, resources and people. Action research embraces collaboration with stakeholders to identify and implement solutions. Government ministries determine policy, with Responsible Authorities accrediting educational institutions, which in turn provide educational programs. Changing what and how students learn can increase their understanding of equity and community needs when they become practitioners, with the voice of service users being paramount.