Ha ngawiri (Breathe Easy)

Abstract

Breath Easy is a local program that has evolved in response to Wairarapa hospitals high ASH rates for respiratory admissions in 0-4 year olds living within the Wairarapa. This program shoulder taps and selects whanau of 0-4 year olds who present frequently at the Emergency Department. These whanau are invited to participate in our Breath Easy workshop which educates, dispels myths and empowers whanau; thus reducing Emergency Department admissions. Our data suggests that these workshops are indeed reducing respiratory admissions in 0-4year olds. The program works by bringing together professionals who can all be in one venue to deliver information in a culturally safe way to whanau. The purpose of our workshops are to - Create "time" to spend with whanau - Support cultural safety - Increase heath literacy - Empowerment of whanau to self manage mild to moderate asthma - To promote awareness of signs of worsening illness - To provide insight into ALL factors that influence respiratory illness - Whanau stories and networking within their communities - Re- Engagement in physical activity - Create healthy communities and health champions - Re-engagement of whanau to their medical homes - Intersectorial collaboration The speakers for each workshop include registered nurses, community health workers, nutritionists, work and income, pharmacists, quit smoking coaches and traditional rongoa practitioners. To date, 90% of attendees have suggested from feedback that they are more confident in managing mild to moderate respiratory illness having attended these forums. This program is a true example of collaboration between professionals and highlights the whanau ora model in action. The results being reduced presentations to the emergency departments and improved whanau self management.