Monica Koia
Doctor of Philosophy, (Public Health)
Study Completed: 2019
College of Health
Citation
Thesis Title
He Pito Ora: Exploring the Role of Māori Cancer Navigators
Read article at Massey Research Online: 
Ms Koia examined the development and implementation of Māori cancer navigator' roles, and the contribution these roles make to the patient/whānau cancer journey. Using a kaupapa Māori methodology, the findings showed navigators are the only roles that provide continuous supportive care to patients/whānau throughout their entire cancer journey, ensuring they gain timely access to cancer care services. She argues that greater integration of Māori cancer navigators within cancer services will help address fragmentation in care and improve communication between health professionals themselves as well as with patients/whānau. Her findings are presented in He Pito Ora framework: the Umbilical Cord of Well-being; encompassing three major principles influenced by health system factors: Whanaungatanga, establishing trusting and multiple relationships; Whakamōhio, good communication and the sharing of information and; Manaakitanga, the consistency of care. These are key areas, which may improve the quality of care and potentially make a difference to patient/whānau cancer outcomes.
Supervisors
Dr Lis Ellison-Loschmann
Dr Rangi Matamua
Dr Lesley Batten
Publications
Enhancing Māori Mental Health Workforce - Master thesis online http://mro.massey.ac.nz/
HRC, Hui Whakapiriri conference 2012, Auckland, Enhancing the Māori health workforce: Preparing and supporting Māori to gain a tertiary qualification