Abstract
Ethnic differences in health status in Aotearoa New Zealand, including reduced life expectancies at birth for Pacific peoples, are due to more than just socioeconomic position. Cultural safety, competence, and responsiveness have been identified as important aspects of ethical and professional physiotherapy practice, yet, to date, little is known about how physiotherapists can best deliver culturally safe physiotherapy for Pacific peoples. This study explored the available literature to provide guidance for physiotherapists delivering culturally safe care to Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. The research highlights the importance of culturally safe practices that respect and integrate traditional values, philosophies and cultural protocols into contemporary physiotherapy. Through a narrative review of peer-reviewed articles (n = 3), reports (n = 1), theses (n = 3), and grey literature (n = 5), key themes identified included the criticality of Pacific values, languages, philosophies, and shared experiences; the centrality of community; relationships; cultural safety; and a culturally responsive health workforce. Moreover, the study identified a paucity of literature providing guidance for physiotherapists in delivering culturally safe health services with Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. The findings of this review advocate for more research and resources that centralise Pacific values and incorporate Pacific peoples’ cultural needs within physiotherapy theory, policies, and practice.