2021
Authors
Jacquie Kidd, Shemana Cassim, Anna Rolleston, Lynne Chepulis, Brendan Hokowhitu, Rawiri Keenan, Janice Wong, Melissa Firth, Karen Middleton, Denise Aitken & Ross Lawrenson
Abstract
Lung Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in Aotearoa New Zealand. Māori communities in particular have higher incidence and mortality rates from Lung Cancer. Diagnosis of lung cancer at an early stage can allow for curative treatment.
This project aimed to document the barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer in secondary care for Māori communities. Nine community hui (focus groups) and nine primary healthcare provider hui were carried out in five rural localities in the Midland region. Hui data were thematically analysed. Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer were categorised into two broad themes: Specialist services and treatment, and whānau journey.
The barriers and enablers that participants experienced in specialist services and treatment related to access to care, engagement with specialists, communication with specialist services and cultural values and respect, whereas barriers and enablers relating to the whānau journey focused on agency and the impact on whānau.
The study highlighted the need to improve communication within and across healthcare services, the importance of understanding the cultural needs of patients and whānau and a health system strategy that meets these needs. Findings also demonstrated the resilience of Māori and the active efforts of whānau as carers to foster health literacy in future generations.
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