Pioneers in physiotherapy policy development, workforce support and curriculum delivery to advance Pacific health equity: Introducing the Pasifika Physiotherapists Association.

Rasela-Joy Gibson, Oka Sanerivi
Purpose:

Since its establishment, the PPA has sought to explore how the combination of Pacific cultural knowledge systems and physiotherapy scientific knowledge systems could be integrated to enhance the professions’ knowledge of Pacific peoples and their unique health needs, with the view of constructively influencing physiotherapy policy, curricula, student support and clinical service delivery. This paper presents the innovative ways in which the PPA has collaborated with key physiotherapy organisations to achieve these aims. 


Methods:

With the imperative of employing Pacific culturally contextual methods and approaches for engagement, the PPA utilised Talanoa (Vaioleti, 2006), a Pacific method of narrative dialogue and inquiry, to engage with key stakeholders including the Physiotherapy Board of NZ (Regulator), Physiotherapy NZ (Professional membership organisation for NZ) and each of the Heads of Schools of the four educational institutions in NZ. This method was underpinned by Pacific cultural values such as aro’a (love), faka’apaapa (respect) and tautua (service). Pacific and English languages were utilised throughout, as the participants preferred. With such approaches, Pacific ethical and relational protocols were observed throughout.


Results:

Enduring relationships with each of the physiotherapy educational institutions in NZ were established, enabling the delivery of Pacific health content as well as the culturally nuanced academic and pastoral support for Pacific students. These synergetic relationships supported the appointments of the first Pacific physiotherapy lecturers, the first Associate Dean (Pacific) for a physiotherapy school and the graduation of the first Pacific PhD in Physiotherapy. Collaborations with the Physiotherapy Board has resulted in contributing to its’ strategic plan, development of educational webinars on cultural safety, and supported the appointments of the first Pacific Board members to the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand. 


Conclusion(s):

The participating organisations collectively recognised the importance of re-evaluating physiotherapy policy, curricula and service delivery to advance Pacific health equity. The PPA plays a leading role in this field. 


Implications:

The PPA presents a unique contemporary case of physiotherapy equity advancements predicated on strong, culturally-grounded, relationships. These advancements may have implications for other Pacific nations and nations with a growing Pacific population. 


Funding acknowledgements:
Physiotherapy New Zealand, Pasifika Medical Association, University of Otago, AUT University, University of Auckland, Wintec.
Keywords:
Pacific People
Health Equity
Workforce development
Primary topic:
Professional issues: diversity and inclusion
Second topic:
Professional issues: business skills, leadership, advocacy and change management
Third topic:
Globalisation: health systems, policies and strategies
Did this work require ethics approval?:
No
Has any of this material been/due to be published or presented at another national or international conference prior to the World Physiotherapy Congress 2025?:
No

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