This paper describes outcomes from a project that set out to identify the challenges to hospice service access for NZ Māori, Asian and Pacific patients. The researchers conducted qualitative interviews with 37 cancer patients (Māori, Pacific and Asian self-identified ethnicities), whānau/family and bereaved whānau/family, as well as 15 health professionals (e.g. referring GPs, oncologists, allied health professionals) within one District Health Board. Patients and their families included both those who utilised hospice services, as well as non-users of hospice services identified by a health professional as having palliative care needs. The paper reports a lack of awareness in the communities of available services, and continuing misconceptions concerning the nature of hospice services. Language barriers are a problem for Asian patients and their families. Respondents reported issues concerning the ethnic representativeness of the hospice services staff. The paper makes suggestions as to how hospices can provide high-quality evidence-based palliative care services for patients and families and consultative services to primary healthcare providers in the community.
