New journal issue sheds lights on equity issues in mental health and addiction treatments in Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare system

Concerns around equity in mental health and addiction treatments take centre stage as Te Kura Hauora School of Health and Social Services adapts teaching methods to better reflect commitments under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

The 2021 edition of the Whitireia Journal of Nursing, Health & Social Services brings equity and inclusivity matters within Aotearoa New Zealand’s healthcare system to the forefront. This includes innovative discussions around mental health and addiction treatments, the correlation between falls in older adults and prescribed sleeping medications; as well as assessments of the efficacy of cardiac arrest treatments, and adaptable teaching methods in nursing and youth development education.

Mana taurite (equity, equal power) is a concept which embodies the creation of a culturally safe, inclusive, and committed approach to healthcare services. Belinda McGrath, editor of this year’s journal, draws on the concept-based teaching and learning within Whitireia’s Bachelor of Nursing (BN) and WelTec’s Bachelor of Youth Development (BYD) programmes, as well as their adaptability in the current climate of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 ‘Lockdown highlighted the need for nurse educators to ensure that Whitireia NZ core values were strong and not forgotten. Whanaungatanga (the value of close connections between people) is important for all groups of people to make connections, have a sense of belonging and work together … Manaakitanga (the value of showing respect, kindness and generosity) was extended to students through encouragement and support, and acknowledging each student’s circumstances,’ says McGrath.

Articles in issue 28 inform how programmes within Te Kura Hauora School of Health and Social Services actively commit themselves to improving education on equality in mental health treatment, aided by initiatives like Te Pou, vocational platforms like Te Pūkenga, and potential employment avenues through Ara Taiohi and their Korowai Tupu memberships. Insights from He Ara Oranga, the Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction, have inspired the creation of new learning opportunities for students to develop deeper connections and understandings with patients – to look beyond the diagnosis and see the whole person.

To purchase a copy of this year's journal, please email: health@whitireia.ac.nz

Contents

Editorial: 2021 written by Belinda McGrath

Connection and Shared Perspectives of the Lived Experience of Distress: Mental Health Education in the Whitireia Bachelor of Nursing Curriculum by Katie Owen

Improving Sleep Quality in Older Adults: Are We Getting it Right? by Molly Page

Cardiac Arrest: Does the Combined Administration of Corticosteroids and Vasopressors Have a Positive Impact on Resuscitation Outcomes? by Anweshan Roy and Amanda Bird

Reflections From Graduates in Youth Work Training: Knowledge, Skills and Personal Growth by Rachel Tallon and Amanda Hay

Mana Taurite: Conceptual Learning to Promote Equity in Mental Health Care in an Undergraduate Nursing Programme by Katie Owen and Liz Day

Contributors

Notes

Title: Whitireia Journal of Nursing, Health & Social Services, Issue 28

Publisher: Te Kura Hauora School of Health & Social Services, in collaboration with Whitireia Publishing

Editors: Belinda McGrath and Kerri Arcus

Publication date: 1 November 2021

RRP: $30.00

ISBN: 978-1-877192-61-6

ISSN: 2744-4589

Size: 245mm x 180mm

Format: Paperback

Extent: 60 pp

Category: Non-fiction; Academic Journal; Health and Social Services

For more information, contact publicists:

Brooke Soulsby at brooke.soulsby01@whitireianz.ac.nz or

Brydan Smith at brydan.smith01@whitireianz.ac.nz