Working better with Pacific patients

Using a Soālaupule framework can help connect better with Pacific families to ensure trust and facilitate good clinical outcomes.¹

Here are some points to consider:

• Don’t make assumptions – the quiet patient, and no eye contact can be showing respect.
• Learning a simple Pacific greeting. 
• Visual aids may help in consultations and include family members in discussions.
• Spirituality plays a large part in wellbeing. 
• The concept of shame can be very real when discussing gender-based symptoms. 
• The head is tapu. 
• Families need to be involved in the consultation. 
• Understand late presentation for medical help – fear, last resort, alternative treatment, access, transport and cost. 
• Terminal illness – Pacific families prefer to care for family at home. 
• Mental health is sometimes explained in terms of cultural beliefs and perceptions.