Person Centred Care

There are many overseas model working in New Zealand. We have Spark of Life (Australia), Person Centred Care (USA) and Liverpoole Pathway (UK) yet we have our own model that was developed in 1840. Yes that is right, the Treaty of Waitangi.

What it stated, briefly, is that Maori health would have dominion over their own health in the form of Partnership, Participation & Protection.

Is this not what we all should be doing in health care? Is it not indeep what you want for yourself in health?

We are suppose to be in partnership with a person. That to me means discuss, inform, advise, recommend, listen, source help in fact anything that is needed to keep a person well through this partnership. It should not be power and control, "I" prescribe the care, you follow the instructions. It is to discuss what will work for them. It means to look at the person and take every aspect of the person into account. Their lifestyle, support network, finance, comprehension and cultural background into account.

For all of this to occur, a partnership has to be developed with the person or their family. Without a willing partner in health, a positve outcome will never occur. The most important ingredient in this partnership is trust. If a person does not trust the health professional and believe what is being discussed is best option for them then the partnership fails and illness prevails.

A health professional is an advocate for people in requiring care. We are there to protect them from harm or ill effects; to speak up for them if they are unable to speak for themselves; to fight their battles if they cannot do it themselves. None of this can be achieved unless there is a sound partnership and willing participants.

So why do we have to import all these systems and models when the simplicity of the Treaty of Waitangi principles of 1840 apply?

If you are not applying these principles and adhereing to them when dealing with a person then you are letting your clients down.