Whakawhiti Kōrero, a Method for the Development of a Cultural Assessment Tool, Te Waka Kuaka, in Māori Traumatic Brain Injury

The importance of tools for themeasurement of outcomes and needs in traumatic brain injury is well recognised. The development of tools for these injuries in indigenous communities has been limited despite the well-documented disparity of brain injury. The wairua theory of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Maori proposes that a culturally defined injury occurs in tandem with the physical injury. A cultural response is therefore indicated. This research investigates a Maori method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool designed to further examine needs associated with the culturally determined injury and in preparation for formal validation. Whakawhiti korero is a method used to develop better statements in the development of the assessment tool. Four wananga (traditional fora) were held including one with whanau (extended family) with experience of traumatic brain injury. The approach was well received. A final version, Te Waka Kuaka, is now ready for validation. Whakawhiti k¯orero is an indigenous method used in the development of cultural needs assessment tool in Maori traumatic brain injury. This method is likely to have wider applicability, such asMental Health and Addictions Services, to ensure robust process of outcome measure and needs assessment development.