"You're the touch point": Indigenous Māori solutions for culturally safe hand therapy

Culturally safe rehabilitation must be informed by service user perspectives, including those of Indigenous people. However, little is known about Māori patient experiences of rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in hand therapy. This study explored Māori experiences and their proposed solutions to enhance culturally safe hand therapy services.

A qualitative study was conducted using exploratory, semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Fifteen adult Māori hand therapy patients were interviewed. Five themes were generated that describe Māori experiences of hand therapy and incorporate participants' suggested solutions for improving cultural safety. Participants emphasised the importance of strong initial connections with staff, the positive atmosphere of hand therapy, the value of therapeutic relationships, the need to integrate Māori practices and culturally appropriate interventions, and the provision of holistic care.

Māori experiences in hand therapy offer valuable insights into culturally safe rehabilitation. Findings highlight the roles of connection, cultural responsiveness, enabling participation in culturally relevant occupations and clinician reflexivity in fostering culturally safe practice. Embedding Māori practices and holistic approaches are tangible steps towards normalising positive rehabilitation experiences for Māori in hand therapy and other rehabilitation settings.