Ko au tenei: This is me - Exploring the lived experience of underrepresented groups with pharmacy services to inform the development of pharmacy case-based learning.

INTRODUCTION: Demographic and social characteristics of underrepresented groups are often poorly described in pharmacy case-based learning, leading to poor representation of these groups in the pharmacy curriculum. This research project aimed to understand the lived experience of underrepresented groups with pharmacy services and to use this to inform the development of pharmacy case-based student learning materials. METHODS: This was a single centre, grounded theory, qualitative study. Focus groups were undertaken with six underrepresented groups: Maori, Pacific, Asian, LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual), disability, and refugee. These focus groups were conducted in Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand from July to August 2022. Focus group sessions were recorded and analysed to identify beliefs, ideas, and themes shared between participants and groups. FINDINGS: Participants in all focus groups had a strong desire to be seen and represented in pharmacy cases, however this was conditional on the learning being delivered in a way that upholds their beliefs, values, and voices. From these lived experiences, cultural, environmental, personal, and social factors were identified as being critical for inclusion in pharmacy case-based learning materials. CONCLUSIONS: The lived experience of underrepresented populations provides critical insights that will enhance pharmacy case-based learning. The key factors that could be included in case-based learning are: ethnicity, personal beliefs, language, disability, gender identity, sexual identity, and family. To achieve health equity and improve cultural awareness and intelligence of our future pharmacy workforce, these experiences need to become more present in curricula.

Is parent education a factor in identifying autism/takiwatanga in an ethnic cohort of Pacific children in Aotearoa, New Zealand? A national cross-sectional study using linked administrative data.

LAY ABSTRACT: Previous studies of autism in Aotearoa, New Zealand, suggest that fewer Pacific children receive an autism diagnosis compared to European children. This study aimed to explore if formal education qualification of parents is related to receiving an autism diagnosis for their Pacific child. Our findings show that autism was identified in 1.1% of Pacific children compared with 1.6% among non-Maori, non-Pacific children. Parents with higher levels of education were more likely to receive an autism diagnosis for their Pacific child. While the study findings indicate education plays a positive role in receiving a diagnosis for autistic children, they suggest a systemic failure of supporting Pacific parents and communities to navigate the health and education systems that exist in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

The needs of Pacific families affected by age-related cognitive impairment in New Zealand: interviews with providers from health-care organisations.

INTRODUCTION Pacific populations in New Zealand are aging, but little is known in the health-care environment about their experiences with cognitive impairment. AIM The aim was to explore the needs of Pacific peoples affected by age-related cognitive decline from the perspectives of health-care providers. METHODS Six health-care service providers from organisations focused on Pacific patients were interviewed to determine services available to aged Pacific peoples, access, and whether they met Pacific people's needs. RESULTS Three areas of concern were identified by all participants: access to services; getting a diagnosis; and communication and language. Many experienced a lack of information and poor access to services. Diagnosis of cognitive impairment was frequently made difficult by inconsistent access to general practitioners in lower socio-economic areas. Communication was hindered by poor access to information in Pacific languages. DISCUSSION Common themes noted by all participating health-care providers indicated the needs of aged Pacific people experiencing cognitive decline were often not being met.