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Te Vaka Atafaga: a Tokelau Assessment Model for Supporting Holistic Mental Health Practice with Tokelau People in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Investigator(s) / AuthorsKupa Kupa
| Principal contact | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mr Kupa Kupa |
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Email address is not available; please contact keadmin@tepou.co.nz for more information. |
|
| The research | |
| Summary | Despite the emergence of dedicated Pacific mental health services in Aotearoa, New Zealand in the last 10 years, there have been few published Pacific models of mental health assessment to guide clinicians working with Pacific clients and their families. |
| Objectives | Te Vaka Atafaga is a Tokelau model consisting of 6 core concepts which are considered key aspects of health for Tokelau people. |
| Study design | This model was endorsed by Tokelau community representatives and leaders at the Inaugural Tokelau Health National Conference held in Wellington New Zealand in 1992. |
| Methods | Qualitative |
| Results | The author relates the personal and professional journey that he has taken ‘aboard’ Te Vaka Atafaga over a twenty year period from conceptualisation, development and through to application in clinical practice in a mental health setting in Aotearoa, New Zealand. |
| Conclusions | For Tokelau people, Te Vaka Atafaga reinforces the connection to cultural identity. This model has the potential to support Tokelau people in maintaining ties to their heritage, even amidst the distress and confusion associated with first experience of mental helath problems and contact with mental health services. |
| Key Descriptors | Clinical Practice, Service Development, Symptoms, Workforce Development |
| Disciplines | Multi disciplinary, Nursing |
| Settings | Community |
| Diagnostic Categories | General |
| Populations | General Population, Pacific |
| Other Keywords | Te Vaka Atafaga, assessment model, Tokelau, holistic, cultural identity |
| Ethics approval | Yes |
| Academic led | No |
| Service led | Yes |
| How were service users involved | Participants of the research |
| Publication in peer review journal | Yes |
| Supporting information | |
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Page last updated: 7 November 2008