RESUMO
AIM: To synthesise the literature describing experiences of chronic pain and pain management for Maori, and to understand how this experience could inform service delivery and clinical practice. METHOD: We systematically searched for qualitative research on Maori chronic pain experiences (Scopus, Medline, APA PsycINFO, NZ Research, Research Square). Data extracted were coded and synthesised using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seven studies were included. Three themes encapsulated the data: 1) a multidimensional view of pain and pain management: Maori expressed a holistic and integrated understanding of the multiple factors that influence pain and its management, 2) a responsibility: respectful tikanga-informed care: the experiences of Maori participants with healthcare highlight a need for antiracist approaches, and a clinical responsibility to practice manaakitanga and tikanga, and 3) tino rangatiratanga: a desire for knowledge, choice and autonomy in pain management: Maori valued the empowering nature of knowledge about pain, and information and support to make decisions about treatment, including considerations regarding Western and traditional Maori medicine. CONCLUSION: Health services need to understand and respect the multidimensional aspects of pain, minimise racism and discrimination, use whakawhanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and tikanga-informed practices, and provide appropriate information to support tino rangatiratanga for pain management.