Pacific and Māori high blood pressure program sees promising results

A pilot program for Pacific peoples and Māori has helped a majority of it's Pacific participants manage high blood pressure.

Hato Hone St John's six-month Manaaki Mamao service gives participant's a tablet computer to record their daily blood pressure from the comfort of home.

National Healthcare Team Manager Vola Betham, who spoke with Levi Matautia-Morgan on 531pi's Pacific Mornings, says they review the results then hold a video consultation with the participant.

"The goal is to get that blood pressure stabilised and on a downward trend," she says.

Watch the full interview with Vola Betham below:

According to a report by veteran medical academic Sir Collin Tukuitonga, high blood pressure is more common among Pacific peoples than other New Zealanders yet they are less likely to seek treatment.

Additionally the World Health Organisation says rates of high blood pressure in the Pacific are "astonishingly high".

"Uncontrolled hypertension can lead so many difficulties in life," Betham says.

"That's the whole goal of why we're doing what we're doing."

She says 77 per cent of their Pacific participants have achieved a downward trend in their blood pressure.

Betham also says having Pacific clinicians engage with Pacific participants has been vital for connectivity.

"It's huge, it's a massive impact for our Pasifika and Māori," she says.

"We all know what it's like growing up in Pasifika. You don't speak back to your elders. You've got to be really respectful and watch your language.

"Having that respect, that vā between you and that other person."

Hato Hone St John developed the service with tech company Spritely, building off an earlier pilot run funded by the Ministry of Health.

The program is currently not available nation-wide which Betham says they hope to change.

They also want to add diabetes treatment to the program, another disease that impacts Pacific peoples and Māori in Aotearoa disproportionately.

"A lot of our primary care services are so stretched and this pilot program has been in partnership with some key medical practices who have appreciated the mahi.

"If we can secure some funding we'd love to continue our support.

"This pilot has absolutely proven the great benefits."