UTB/TSC Graduate Catalog 2001-2002

https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/brownsvillelegacycatalogs/1040/thumbnail.jp

Integrating Māori knowledge and cultural values into audiological research and hearing health services : an approach inspired by He Awa Whiria – a braided rivers framework.

In Aotearoa me Te Waipounamu/New Zealand, Māori are frequently underserved and excluded by hearing health services rooted in the dominant culture's values. Health workers often overlook Māori cultural values, leaving many Māori feeling alienated, whakamā (ashamed/embarrassed), and unsafe. A 'one-size-fits-all' approach to health service design and delivery has created systemic barriers to access that disproportionately affect Māori. Consequently, there are significant inequities in outcomes for Māori and greater unmet need relative to non-Māori. While the medical model has undeniable utility, there is considerable scope for the audiology profession to challenge the dominance of Western biomedical approaches to hearing healthcare and to broaden its thinking to deliver culturally appropriate services for Māori clients. This study explores how Māori knowledge and cultural values could be integrated into audiological research and mainstream audiology services. Inspired by He Awa Whiria – A Braided Rivers framework (Macfarlane et al., 2015), I suggest an approach that combines indigenous Māori and Western knowledge traditions. Further Māori-led research informed by kaupapa Māori principles is needed to evaluate this approach and how it may apply to hearing health services more broadly

Front-Line Physicians' Satisfaction with Information Systems in Hospitals

Day-to-day operations management in hospital units is difficult due to continuously varying situations, several actors involved and a vast number of information systems in use. The aim of this study was to describe front-line physicians' satisfaction with existing information systems needed to support the day-to-day operations management in hospitals. A cross-sectional survey was used and data chosen with stratified random sampling were collected in nine hospitals. Data were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The response rate was 65 % (n = 111). The physicians reported that information systems support their decision making to some extent, but they do not improve access to information nor are they tailored for physicians. The respondents also reported that they need to use several information systems to support decision making and that they would prefer one information system to access important information. Improved information access would better support physicians' decision making and has the potential to improve the quality of decisions and speed up the decision making process.Peer reviewe