Ethnic disparities in attendance at New Zealand’s chronic pain services

Making Education Easy

Authors:

Lewis GN et al.

June 1, 2018

Summary:

These researchers sought to determine how well DHB chronic pain services serve the diverse ethnic population in NZ and the clinical presentation of patients attending the clinics. Demographic data of patients attending for an initial assessment in 2015 were requested from all DHBs that offered a multidisciplinary chronic pain service. Overall, Europeans were over-represented at the services by 9%, while Pasifika and Asians were under-represented by 58% and 49%, respectively. Māori patients had significantly poorer scores than Europeans in all clinical assessment measures, while Pasifika and Asian patients scored significantly worse than Europeans on the majority of measures on clinical assessments.

Comment:

Having seen international studies showing ethnic disparities in pain care and outcomes, I was interested to see these NZbased results. Importantly, the researchers have provided a useful ‘audit-tool’ for future monitoring of care and outcomes by ethnicity in NZ pain services.

Reference: N Z Med J. 2018;131(1472):21-8

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.