New Zealand’s national Pasifika cultural competency training programme

While working with the family, I took into account the family structure and their family priorities to help resolve the issues for which they came to me for support. This was clearly appreciated by the family.

As a community pharmacist who regularly dispenses for Pasifika seasonal workers, I now provide a translation of dosage instructions appropriate to the patient’s nationality to improve health outcomes. Le Va has given me confidence to expand our services further.

I tried to allow the control of the meeting to be in the family’s hands and had a conversation rather than an ‘inquisition’ where all I did was ask questions… I followed their lead.

I made sure that I asked if the family would like to start with prayer. They both started and finished with prayer and then followed this time by saying to me that they were so pleased to have finally found me! The family told me that they have felt so let down by professionals in the past and Le Va’s training meant that I could really engage with this family in a positive manner.

I realised my personal biases and misconceptions that might impact the way I relate to the Pasifika community… A key point that I took away was being aware that there are cultural differences that can influence how a person engages in the service.

Working closely with the Pasifika nurses helped the experience run smoothly and resulted in appropriate hospital admission using the medical services available for the best outcome possible.