This study reviewed the evidence for disparities in the quality of public hospital care for Māori and non-Māori in New Zealand. A literature review of Medline and Embase databases identified 11 studies that employed quality indicators that were specific to inpatient care. The studies varied in quality, some considering the impact of multiple confounding factors, as well as potential statistical bias from under-counting of Māori; others performing few methodological or statistical adjustments for these factors. Investigators also exhibited differing levels of commitment to the consideration of potential confounding factors. However, this review found robust evidence for the existence of healthcare disparities for Māori, in particular related to obstetric intervention and the incidence of potentially avoidable adverse events.
