Hā Ora: Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer in primary healthcare for Māori communities.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research was to document the barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer within primary healthcare, identified by Māori whānau (families) and primary healthcare providers in the Midland region of Aotearoa New Zealand.

METHODS

This project used a kaupapa Māori approach. Nine community hui (focus groups) and nine primary healthcare provider hui were carried out in five rural localities in the Midland region. Each community hui included cancer patients, whānau, and other community members. Each healthcare provider hui comprised staff members at the local primary healthcare centre, including General Practitioners and nurses. Hui data were thematically analysed.

RESULTS

Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer were categorised into three key themes: GP relationship and position in the community, health literacy and pathways to diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that culturally responsive, patient-centred healthcare, and positive GP-patient relationships are significant factors for Māori patients and whānau serving as barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer.