Wāhi Kōrero represents a paradigm shift in health research by empowering individuals and communities to have a voice, particularly those often excluded from healthcare discussions. Often those who are excluded from healthcare are subjects of debate but rarely included in conversations about the barriers they face in accessing care. Their perspectives are also typically absent from health and consumer experience surveys.
This presentation explores the narratives collected in response to the Wāhi Kōrero prompt: “I felt too whakamā to go to the doctor.” These stories from Aotearoa reveal deep-seated complexities and unmet needs within the healthcare system, challenging stagnant statistical analyses and confronting underlying assumptions about persistent health inequities.
Insights derived from these personal stories are aimed at reshaping the health research landscape, addressing power imbalances, and fostering a more responsive health system. Wāhi Kōrero informs decision-makers of the real-world experiences of healthcare users, influencing public health policies and interventions to benefit often overlooked communities. By promoting an open dialogue, the platform not only reveals systemic challenges but also empowers storytellers to suggest actionable solutions, turning their critiques into tools for positive change.
Key Learnings
**Empowering Marginalised Voices**: Wāhi Kōrero significantly impacts health research by actively involving individuals and communities that are traditionally excluded from healthcare discussions.
**Understanding Hidden Barriers**: Gain insights into the barriers that deter individuals from utilising healthcare services
**Challenging Conventional Data Analysis**By bringing real, qualitative experiences into the research fold, Wāhi Kōrero helps to uncover deeper insights into why certain health inequities remain unaddressed.
**Influencing Health Policies through Real-World Experiences**: The insights gained from these narratives are leveraged to inform and shape public health policies and interventions. This approach ensures that health systems become more responsive and attuned to the actual needs and experiences of those often overlooked, thereby fostering more effective and inclusive healthcare solutions.