Sandra Kettle – 30 DoS – Day 27

Tell us a little about your current work and study, especially how you think and practice critically.

Being an indigenous practitioner means that my critical thinking and practice is set firmly in how we reduce health access barriers and inequities not only for our indigenous population, but for all at-risk marginalised populations, e.g., LGBQT+

In 2021 Accident Compensation Corporation, our national accident insurance provider, recognised the importance of Rongoa in Maori Health approaches, and we are for the first time able to refer our clients to Rongoa practitioners. Rongoa is the restoration of Mauri — the balance of our wairua (spiritual), hinengaro (mental), whanau (family and connection) and tinana (the body). Rongoa practitioners use traditional Maori healing methods, including Rongoa balms, teas and natural remedies, mirimiri and romiromi traditional massage and healing techniques. They use tikanga (Maori protocols) to provide a holistic framework in which to treat clients. The critical thinking at this early stage is around developing relationships with practitioners who bring a different perspective to our “Western” healing approach. How can we integrate our skill sets to the benefit of the client? In these early stages of referring to Rongoa Practitioners, the Physiotherapist needs an understanding of what the other does, and how this works for our indigenous clients.

What is it about critical physiotherapy that appeals to you?

Being able to question the norm, and not just accept things the way they have always been, but to look at issues as they come up — application of critical thinking is a constant review of procedures and physiotherapists’ views. Being able to recognise your own culture, why you think like that, and how it affects your practise.

What do you bring to the CPN?

It’s early days, I am just soaking up all the knowledge and reflecting on my own critical practice before I build up the courage to participate. The objectives of the CPN resonate with me. Particularly the challenge to critically examine our profession’s position on difference, recognising power asymmetries and marginalisation, and promoting ideas from diverse sources.

How would you like to see the critical physiotherapy community develop over the next few years?

Developing ideas and tools around challenging the status quo. For example, why is Western Medicine considered most important in practising Physiotherapy? Why are so few studies done on indigenous rehabilitation methods and their effects on all populations? How can we make the LGBQT+ community feel safe with our profession? Definitely Podcasts from various members sharing your thoughts and experiences through their lens”. Focussing on the significant contribution culturally-competent practise makes to peoples’ lives.

How would you like to see the broader physiotherapy profession develop?

Promotion of a more diverse and inclusive profession. In New Zealand, health disparities for the indigenous Maori population continue to affect health outcomes, and access to Physiotherapy. I see the broader physiotherapy profession developing an inclusive approach to physiotherapy where Health Equity is valued. This practise encompasses more inclusiveness in providing a culture of “everyone” that is significant to all — as with all populations throughout the world facing the same challenges — this is not achieved by any one change but continues to challenge our thinking. If we develop our knowledge around health inequities for indigenous populations and how these have occurred — it’s a start.