The value of te reo in primary care

The influence of indigeneity is widely recognised as a health determinant; however the impact of the utilisation of the indigenous language on health care has not been closely examined.

To explore the Maori language (te reo) as a determinant of health from a Maori patient's perspective.

Maori patients were recruited through Maori health networks and the snowballing technique. Thirty participants participated in one of three focus group interviews. A semistructured interview explored the utilisation of health services, comfortability with service delivery and perceptions of general practice surgeries' cultural competency. Thematic analysis was utilised to interpret the data.

Te reo was recognised as an important cultural competency, noted by participants as contributing to the development of appropriate doctor-patient relationships and their feelings of being valued within a practice. Patient-led use of te reo was identified as most appropriate, an indicator of quality of care.

The training of primary care staff in te reo should be encouraged. Developed as a competency, this will see primary care settings better able to respond to Maori patients and in turn support Maori health gains.