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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 whanau 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 whanau, 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaupapa Māori research (KMR) is an Indigenous research approach that is decolonizing and transformative. Interpretive description (ID) is a qualitative methodology used to generate knowledge relevant to the applied health disciplines. In this article, we discuss how we combined KMR and ID to investigate the experiences of Māori (the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand) with aphasia and their whānau (extended family). This is novel because it is the first time these two approaches have been combined. In the context of aphasia research, we discuss how they work together in theory, and the synergies that became apparent in practice. We conclude that the combination of KMR and ID enables clinicians and Māori with aphasia to learn from each other and work together, thereby generating knowledge that makes a difference for Māori with aphasia and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Experiences of aphasia are shaped by culture. Therefore, to provide appropriate services for people with aphasia (PWA), speech-language therapists (SLTs) must understand aphasia from their potential clients’ cultural perspective. Aims:This study aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of Māori with aphasia and their whānau (extended family), to inform service delivery for this population. Methods & Procedures:This study is kaupapa Māori research (KMR), an Indigenous research approach that privileges Māori culture and knowledge. A qualitative methodology, interpretive description (ID), was incorporated to produce clinically relevant findings that will benefit SLTs and Māori. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 11 Māori with aphasia and their nominated whānau members. Participants spoke about aphasia-related changes in relationships, health, spirituality, activities and family and community roles. Analysis was informed by interpretive description (ID) and kaupapa Māori. Outcomes & Results:Participants described a range of positive and negative experiences of aphasia. These developed into two pairs of themes: (1) “Grieving for what is lost” and “Recognising what we have got” (2) “It is hard” and “Choosing how to respond”. Conclusions:Aphasia can have a profound effect on Māori families and bring many changes in family roles and relationships. Despite difficulties, whānau can actively manage their situation, and enable the person with aphasia to participate in the whānau and community. The findings of this study will inform clinical practice and provide the basis for the development of resources for use in speech-language therapy services for Māori with aphasia and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]