This poster presents key findings from interviews with clients of Manaaki Manawa, a cardiac rehabilitation programme developed by Mäori for Mäori. Notably, its components have been influenced by earlier research findings demonstrating the poor uptake and completion rates of Mäori in mainstream cardiac programmes. A fundamental part of the initiative implemented by Mäori Health Providers in Te Tai Tokerau (Northland, New Zealand) is its formative and process evaluation, which has established relationships amongst all the parties. The client interviews reveal promising indicators of improved ‘wellness’ for participants. However, one of the tensions identified is how exactly ‘improved health’ or ‘wellness’ can be measured in a meaningful way, from both a clinical perspective and that of the client participating in the cardiac rehabilitation programme. The key findings from the interviews illustrate some important factors that have led to positive health and wellbeing changes for clients; the supportive home-based whänau-orientated approach, the wairua of the cardiac rehabilitation nurse, the tailored and flexible nature of the programme and a practical understanding of their health condition and medication issues. The cardiac rehabilitation nurses have observed how their clients’ clinical results have been positively influenced by ‘feeling more confident and in control of their lives’.
