-Mention in the essay if there is any -Mention how do they see health and disease and their customs to deal with them, also, discuss how they view dead. – How their health care belief affect or influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. Read content chapter 36 in Davis Plus Online Website. You must use at least 3 evidence-based references (excluding the class textbook) This time beside the content and references I will count the assignment base of the number of words.
The Maori people of New Zealand have a unique cultural perspective on health and disease as well as their customs for dealing with them. Understanding their worldview is crucial for the delivery of evidence-based healthcare to this population.
The Maori people see health and disease in a holistic manner, taking into account not only physical but also spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. They believe that everything in the world, including humans, is interconnected and that illness occurs when this balance is disrupted. This perspective is shaped by the concept of “whakapapa,” which refers to the genealogical connections between all living beings and their environment. Whakapapa gives the Maori a sense of belonging and connection to their ancestors, which is central to their understanding of health.
The Maori have a rich tradition of traditional healing practices, which they call Rongoa. Rongoa involves the use of herbal remedies, physical therapies such as massage, and spiritual practices to restore the balance of whakapapa and promote healing. These practices are often passed down through generations and form an important part of Maori culture. Many Maori people continue to use traditional healing alongside Western medicine, recognizing the value of both approaches.
Death and dying are viewed with great respect in Maori culture. The body of the deceased is traditionally kept at home, surrounded by family and loved ones, and mourned for several days. This allows the family to grieve and fulfill their cultural obligations towards the deceased. Maori also have unique customs surrounding burial and mourning rituals that vary between tribes. These customs and practices reflect the importance of whakapapa and the interconnectedness of the living and the dead.
The Maori have a strong sense of community and collective identity, which greatly influences their healthcare beliefs and practices. In Maori culture, the concept of “whānau” refers to the extended family or community, and they believe that health is a collective responsibility. This means that decisions about healthcare are often made in consultation with the entire whānau, including elders and community leaders. The Maori place a high value on community and cultural norms, sometimes prioritizing them over individual health needs.
The Maori worldview and healthcare beliefs have a significant impact on the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. The concept of whakapapa emphasizes the interconnectedness of health and requires a holistic approach to healthcare. This means understanding and addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the underlying spiritual, mental, and emotional factors that may be contributing to the illness.
Maori patients may seek traditional healing practices in addition to or in place of Western medicine. This can pose challenges for healthcare providers who are accustomed to a strictly biomedical approach. However, evidence has shown that integrating traditional healing practices into healthcare can improve health outcomes for Maori patients. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to be aware of and respectful towards these practices, and to work collaboratively with Maori patients to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
The Maori emphasis on community and collective decision-making also influences the delivery of evidence-based healthcare. Healthcare decisions are often made in consultation with the whānau and community, and the input of elders and community leaders is highly valued. This can sometimes slow down decision-making processes and make it challenging to implement evidence-based practices that may conflict with cultural norms or traditional beliefs. However, involving the community in healthcare decisions can also lead to more culturally appropriate and effective care for Maori patients.
In conclusion, the Maori people have a unique cultural perspective on health and disease, as well as customs for dealing with them. Their holistic worldview, traditional healing practices, and emphasis on community influence the delivery of evidence-based healthcare to this population. Understanding and respecting Maori healthcare beliefs and practices is crucial for providing quality care that addresses the interconnectedness of health and supports the well-being of Maori patients.