VRA Maori Programme

 

VRA Maori Programme (Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough Primary Health Organisation – Heather Oehlrich, Maori Health Development Manager)

Start date & duration:

February 2011 – December 2012.

What is the programme trying to achieve:

To increase the uptake of Vascular Risk Assessments by Maori, Pacific and high-needs whānau who have not been screened in general practice. To screen eligible un-enrolled Maori and Pacific whānau and enrol in general practice.

Who are the target population for this programme or service:

Maori and Pacific tane 35-64yrs, wahine 45-64yrs, European men 45-64yrs, European women 55-64yrs.

What is the geographical coverage for this programme or service:

Marlborough.

Who can access it:

Targeted specifically at Maori and Pacific people who have not accessed the programme in general practice. However using a person-centered, whānau focused approach all whānau members can participate irrespective of ethnicity if they meet the age criteria and are eligible to be enrolled in general practice.

How did the programme come about:

Maori were not accessing the VRA program in general practices for numerous reasons.  Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough PHO worked with NMDHB for a variation of the contract to enable the programme to be delivered by a Maori Health Provider (Te Hauora O Ngati Rarua) in the community.

What approach is used for the service delivery:

A mobile outreach service is offered to whānau/fanau at a time and venue of their choice, whānau are encouraged to attend together and develop their own health plan, a CVD risk > 15% is supported by a free GP visit. Te Whare Tapa Wha assessment is completed and whānau are asked if they have any other issues or concerns. Wahine are asked about cervical screening and breast screening. Health education is provided and referrals are made to providers and services of whānau choice. A partnership approach between the Maori provider, the PHO, general practices and communities is also adopted.

What are the successes to date with the delivery of the service:

Increased uptake by Maori whānau, particularly with tane who like “being able to be proactive in my health care without having to take time off work when I’m not sick”.  Increased VRA screening uptake, access to services including GP, Aukati Kaipaipa, dietician, Green Prescription, Maori nutrition and physical activity, Mirimiri, Maori providers, Foodbank and other services to meet their needs. ‘One Heart Many Lives’ t-shirts, DVDs and enrolment forms are shared  with tane who have had a VRA to promote the programme to friends and whānau, take their name and contact details for the VRA nurse to contact.

What are the measures of success for this programme:

The measures of success are whānau accessing the VRA programe, the programme will be embedded in practice. Whanau access the services they require for early assessment, diagnosis , intervention and management to prevent the impact of diabetes and cardiovascular disease on whānau. They also access services of their choice to support all their identified needs. EQ5D assessment at time of screen and 6 months post -screen. Lifestyle changes made by whānau and improved access to all services

Has any evaluation of the service been undertaken?  If so, when and what was the outcome:

The programme in still in progress and will be evaluated by an independent provider based on formative process and outcome evaluation.

Who are the funders of this programme:

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board and Kimi Hauora Wairau Marlborough PHO.