New Zealand Medical Journal
Whitia Kia Ora: a culturally responsive model of Bicillin L-A® delivery for people with rheumatic fever in the Waikato region of Aotearoa New Zealand
aim: Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is an autoimmune response to group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infection that can lead to rheumatic heart disease (RHD). To prevent Strep A infection for people with ARF or RHD, clinical guidelines recommend monthly intramuscular penicillin (Bicillin L-A®) injections for at least 10 years. However, multiple barriers to accessing healthcare affect adherence. This research aimed to improve adherence by developing a Māori and Pacific–centred model of care. methods: Qualitative, Kaupapa M …