Exploring Maori cancer patients', their families', community and hospice views of hospice care.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite poor cancer survival statistics, Maori do not readily access hospice services. This study aims to explore how hospice services respond to Maori by investigating the different influences and interactions between three perspectives of hospice care. METHOD: The authors conducted a Maori-centred, cross-sectional qualitative study by undertaking semi-structured interviews with hospice patients and whanau (families) (n=8), hospice representatives (n=4), and representatives from three Maori health provider organisations (n=5). CONCLUSIONS: The study found that negative perceptions of hospice are being changed by hospices' relationships with other organisations and positive stories from whanau. Involvement from whanau, continuity of care and after-hours care with a greater Maori workforce and a further emphasis on culturally safe care are critical for this work to gain momentum. Findings can be of use to further develop quality of care indicators that reflect the perspectives of patients and whanau, and those who provide their care.