Te Matahouroa: a feasibility trial combining Rongoā Māori and Western medicine in a surgical outpatient setting.

Aim: This feasibility study was undertaken to implement and assess a Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing)/Western medicine collaboration model in a general surgical outpatient setting.

Methods: Six patients were recruited and consulted with both a Rongoā Māori practitioner and a Western trained surgeon three times in 6 months. Appointments were an average of 45 minutes duration, patient whānau (family) were welcome and kai (food) was provided as a culturally appropriate custom.

Is there a role for Rongoā Māori in public hospitals? The results of a hospital staff survey.

Background: Rongoā Māori is the traditional form of healing for Māori. This investigation describes the results of an internet-based survey of staff at Waitemata District Health Board (WDHB) about their attitudes towards the placement of Rongoā Māori into the hospital system.

Methods: An electronic survey was circulated to approximately 6,000 employees of the WDHB.