Apart from lower immunisation rates, a cross-sectional study found that health outcomes for Māori were not different between Māori practices and other models of primary care, despite these patients having higher health risk profiles. However, primary care need was unmet for many Māori, despite increased clinical input. The study linked national datasets to general practices, and included 660,752 Māori patients enrolled in 924 practices (124,854 in 65 Māori-owned practices). Rates of glycosylated haemoglobin testing and ambulatory-sensitive hospitalisations or emergency department attendances were not significantly different between Māori practices and other models of primary care, but rates of polypharmacy and childhood immunisation were 3.7% and 13.4% points lower, respectively. Compared with other practices, Māori practices had higher rates of cervical smear and cardiovascular risk assessment and more nurse and doctor time with patients. Māori practices enrolled a higher proportion of children and young people, five times more patients from areas of high deprivation, and more patients with multiple long-term conditions.
