A comparison of Māori and non-Māori experiences of general practice

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Jansen P et al

October 8, 2011

Summary:

This paper evaluated differences between Māori and non-Māori experiences of care in the GP setting, using data from a 2005 study that administered a semi-structured personal questionnaire in telephone surveys of random samples of 651 Māori and 400 non- Māori consumers. Compared with non-Māori, Māori respondents on average were younger and less advantaged in their socioeconomic and health status. More Māori than non-Māori reported needing their last GP visit urgently. Most respondents reported seeing a GP when they wanted, but non-Māori were more likely than Māori to have this preference met. Māori were less likely to report being offered a choice of appointment times or to be seen on time.

Comment:

Reaffirms the need for Māori participation in the development of ‘primary health care’ that aims to be ‘better, sooner and more convenient’. Perhaps primary care organisations could utilise the survey questions to monitor the effectiveness of their ‘process’ and its relationship to outcomes.

Reference: N Z Med J. 2011;124(1330):24-9.

Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.