Wāhi Kōrero: The Development of an Online Story-Sharing Research Platform for Health Research

Abstract

Storytelling has the power to forge connections and foster empathy, providing insights into shared human experiences. In the digital age, online platforms offer opportunities to amplify historically underrepresented voices. This article introduces Wāhi Kōrero, a bespoke online story-sharing platform designed to collect stories from people whose experiences are often absent from health research. Wāhi Kōrero was developed through a collaborative approach between Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers and web designers, prioritizing ethical considerations, cultural respect, and inclusivity. Wāhi Kōrero provides a safe and welcoming space for people to share their experiences, crafted in their own words, with minimal researcher involvement. Analyzing these stories can reveal the structural inequities that shape personal experiences with health professionals. The platform’s transformative impact extends to power dynamics, political discourse, and knowledge production. Wāhi Kōrero works toward a collectively determined health research agenda, elevating the voices of health service users and validating their expertise in their own lives and health. Ultimately, Wāhi Kōrero exemplifies the changing landscape of online information access, presentation, and control, paving the way for a more equitable and inclusive approach to health research and practice.