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Exploring experiences of specialised rehabilitation services to co-design equitable model of care improvements: a qualitative study with patients, family, staff, and community providers.

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Title: Exploring experiences of specialised rehabilitation services to co-design equitable model of care improvements: a qualitative study with patients, family, staff, and community providers.
Authors: Harper, Courtney (AUTHOR), Tongi, Lolohea (AUTHOR), Maloney, Rebecca (AUTHOR), Green, Geoff (AUTHOR)
Source: Disability & Rehabilitation. Sep2026, Vol. 48 Issue 18, p5770-5786. 17p.
Subjects: Medical protocols, Cultural identity, Community health services, Holistic medicine, Qualitative research, Medical care, Interviewing, Families, Descriptive statistics, Spinal cord injuries, Amputees, Rehabilitation centers, Patient-centered care, Thematic analysis, Research methodology, Quality assurance, Health equity, Stroke, Transcultural medical care
Geographic Terms: New Zealand
Abstract: Purpose: To enhance quality and equity in the model of care for specialised rehabilitation in a large regional service in Aotearoa New Zealand, this study aimed to explore the experiences and improvement ideas of patients, whaanau (wider family), staff and community providers. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study represents the experience capture phase of a service co-design project. Semi-structured interviews drawing on culturally informed methods were conducted with spinal, stroke and amputee patients (n = 14), whaanau (n = 7), staff (n = 14), and community organisation representatives (n = 10). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were generated: respecting the whole person and whaanau; fostering a collaborative rehabilitation culture; milestones and speedbumps on the road to recovery; and an enriching environment. Conclusion: Strengthening a holistic, person and whaanau-centred approach to specialised rehabilitation services may better support equitable outcomes. Priorities for service co-design are enhancing cultural safety and responsiveness, supporting whaanau, and enabling smooth transitions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Specialised rehabilitation services have an important role in supporting recovery from stroke, spinal cord and other conditions and injuries. There are inequities in access, experiences, and outcomes for Maaori and Pacific peoples in specialised rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand. The experiences and ideas of those who use, deliver and work with these services provided critical insights into opportunities for providing equitable care. Rehabilitation professionals should focus on improving culturally responsive practice and understanding of the unique needs and goals of people and whaanau. Rehabilitation professionals should prioritise a collaborative culture, developing interprofessional and interorganisational processes for smoother transitions and service navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection
Description
Abstract:Purpose: To enhance quality and equity in the model of care for specialised rehabilitation in a large regional service in Aotearoa New Zealand, this study aimed to explore the experiences and improvement ideas of patients, whaanau (wider family), staff and community providers. Materials and Methods: This qualitative study represents the experience capture phase of a service co-design project. Semi-structured interviews drawing on culturally informed methods were conducted with spinal, stroke and amputee patients (n = 14), whaanau (n = 7), staff (n = 14), and community organisation representatives (n = 10). Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Four overarching themes were generated: respecting the whole person and whaanau; fostering a collaborative rehabilitation culture; milestones and speedbumps on the road to recovery; and an enriching environment. Conclusion: Strengthening a holistic, person and whaanau-centred approach to specialised rehabilitation services may better support equitable outcomes. Priorities for service co-design are enhancing cultural safety and responsiveness, supporting whaanau, and enabling smooth transitions. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION: Specialised rehabilitation services have an important role in supporting recovery from stroke, spinal cord and other conditions and injuries. There are inequities in access, experiences, and outcomes for Maaori and Pacific peoples in specialised rehabilitation in Aotearoa New Zealand. The experiences and ideas of those who use, deliver and work with these services provided critical insights into opportunities for providing equitable care. Rehabilitation professionals should focus on improving culturally responsive practice and understanding of the unique needs and goals of people and whaanau. Rehabilitation professionals should prioritise a collaborative culture, developing interprofessional and interorganisational processes for smoother transitions and service navigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:09638288
DOI:10.1080/09638288.2026.2623818