Māori experiences of aphasia therapy: “But I'm from Hauiti and we've got shags”

Abstract

This study explored Māori experiences of aphasia therapy, with a view to ascertaining what makes a service culturally safe as well as “accessible to and culturally appropriate for” Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family). Māori are the indigenous peoples of New Zealand. This study incorporated interpretive description (a qualitative methodology) within kaupapa Māori research (a Māori approach to research). In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and 23 of their nominated whānau members. They reported a wide variety of experiences of aphasia therapy, in six themes: We're happy to do the work, but we can't do it alone; Relationship; Our worldview; The speech-language therapy setting; Aphasia resources; and Is this as good as it gets? While some Māori with aphasia reportedly received an accessible and culturally appropriate service, others did not. It is concluded that, for Māori with aphasia, a strong therapeutic relationship is central. The success of this relationship is shaped by the SLP's appreciation of the worldview of the person with aphasia and whānau, the setting of the therapy, and the resources used. Successful therapy will involve collaboration between clinician and whānau, and therapy resources that affirm the identity of the person with aphasia.

Keywords::

• Aphasia
• speech-language pathology
• qualitative

Acknowledgements

We thank the people with aphasia and their whānau who participated in this research. The following whānau asked to be acknowledged by name: L. Brown, N. Brown, Cornwell, Hoto, Nikora, Potaka, Te Miha, Wanakore. We especially acknowledge the special contribution made by Tumau Nikora and his mother Makere. We thank Dr Sue Crengle for assistance with this research. We are grateful for the following financial support: University of Auckland doctoral scholarship, Henry Rongomau Bennett scholarship, the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia. The content of this paper was originally presented at the 15^th International Aphasia Rehabilitation Conference, Melbourne, October 2012.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.