Evaluating traditional models

In writing this section I wanted to come across something quite simple but seemingly ellusive: information assessing the effectiveness of any of these models of Māori health

I wanted a definitive answer as to whether they work or not i.e. do they improve outcomes for Māori.

Aue, this was not to be.

Although te whare tapa whā has been applied extensively, from smoking cessation to whanau violence there doesn't seem to be a great deal of specific information into the effectiveness of any of these models of health.

The focus seems to be on another angle all together- the PHO.

The Ministry of Health describes a PHO as:

Primary health organisations (PHOs) are funded by district health boards (DHBs) to ensure the provision of essential primary health care services, mostly through general practices, to those people who are enrolled with the PHO.

In simpler terms, a PHO is an organisation which takes responsibility for an individuals primary health care and is funded by the local DHB.

There is a movement towards self-determinism in health promotion, with the development of specifically Māori PHOs which include frameworks such as te whare tapa wha.

So it's about independence but also about what models are used.

It's about Māori 'doing' health for Māori using Māori models of what that means.

An evaluation of specifically Māori PHOs  largely focused on cost and showed them to be effective.

Next time: Activism