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Exploration of Pacific perspectives of Pacific models of mental health service delivery in New Zealand
Investigator(s) / AuthorsTamasailau Suaalii-Sauni, Amanda Wheeler, Etuate Saafi, Gail Robinson, Francis Agnew, Helen Warren, Maliaga Erick, Tevita Hingano
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Dr Tamasailau Suaalii-Sauni |
| sailau.suaalii-sauni@waitematadhb.govt.nz | |
| The research | |
| Summary | The aim of this study was to provide indepth qualitative data that explored Pacific perceptions and experience of the theory, practice, and utilisation of Pacific mental health services in New Zealand. |
| Objectives | There is increasing concern about the inequalities, overall health outcomes, and mental health of Pacific peoples residing in New Zealand. The New Zealand Mental Health Survey (Te Rau Hinengaro), conducted in 2003/2004, identified Pacific peoples as having a higher 12-month prevalence of mental disorders than the general population. The burden of mental health amongst Pacific peoples was identified as high and associated with other socioeconomic correlates. Pacific peoples were also more likely not to access professional mental health assistance. The aim of this study was to provide indepth qualitative data that explored Pacific perceptions and experience of the theory, practice, and utilisation of Pacific mental health services in New Zealand. |
| Study design | This paper documents: (i) the different models of care practiced in the Pacific mental health sector, and (ii) the specific components that: (a) make these models uniquely Pacific, and (b) that consumers and families identified as integral to the recovery process. Pacific peoples’ views of mental health from the following three perspectives were studied: (i) the service provider, (ii) the mental health consumer, and (iii) the family member, using focus group interviews in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch. |
| Methods | Qualitative |
| Results | The results report the different perceptions of the Pacific focus group and interview participants. Our findings indicate that firstly, having appropriate family and community support networks (psycho-social and community), appropriate living environments and meaningful work for consumers, and secondly, access to culturally competent mental health staff, contributes towards consumer recovery and assisting families. |
| Conclusions | In conclusion, Pacific models of care (service delivery) were found to be informed by Pacific models of health belief and existed in implicit rather than explicit forms. To develop clearer or specific articulations of Pacific models of service delivery, the first step for services is to develop written expositions (a theory) of how these models might be framed taking into equal account cultural, clinical, and service management issues. |
| Key Descriptors | Service Development, Intervention/Treatment, Recovery |
| Disciplines | Multi disciplinary |
| Settings | DHB (District Health Board) |
| Diagnostic Categories | General |
| Populations | General Population, Pacific |
| Other Keywords | mental health services, models of care, Pacific, consumers, families, Pacific models of service delivery |
| Ethics approval | Yes |
| Academic led | No |
| Service led | Yes |
| How were service users involved | Participants of the research |
| Publication in peer review journal | Yes |
| Supporting information | |
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Page last updated: 7 November 2008