Abstract
Current healthcare models and language that emphasise self-determination and selfmanagement may encourage deficit model discussions which do not serve communities and people with long-term conditions well.
To address this, our stakeholders identified some guiding principles, concepts and language, which fit well with Māori principles and concepts. We called these ‘Pou Ārahi’ (guiding posts) and grouped them into broad themes:
* Interpersonal Pou Ārahi include the need for healthcare professionals to listen more and listen better to patients so that patients are a part of the decision-making process about their own lives.
* Community Pou Ārahi encourage giving and receiving as members of a community, and using technology alongside diverse communication methods to enhance existing relationships.
* Systems Pou Ārahi include the need to find alternatives to ‘siloed’ approaches to providing healthcare and support, and a change in language use from ‘providing care’ to assisting people as they restore their own wellness.