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This paper synthesises critique from Māori patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) and their whānau to identify barriers and propose changes to improve the structure and function of the New Zealand mental health system. A qualitative Kaupapa Māori Research methodology was used. Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were completed with Māori patients with BD and members of their whānau. Structural, descriptive and pattern coding was completed using an adapted cultural competence framework to organise and analyse the data. Three key themes identified the impact of structural features of the New Zealand mental health system on health equity for Māori with BD. Themes involved the accessibility, delivery and scope of the current health system, and described how structural features influenced the quality, utility and availability of BD services for Māori patients and whānau. Structural barriers in the existing design, and potential changes to improve the accessibility, delivery and scope of BD services for Māori, were proposed including a redesign of operational, environmental, staffing, and navigation points (information, transition, fatigue) to better meet the needs of Māori with BD. A commitment to equity when implementing structural change is needed, including ongoing evaluation and refinement. This paper provides specific recommendations that should be considered in health service redesign to ensure the New Zealand mental health system meets the needs of Māori patients with BD and their whānau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis protects mothers and babies from severe disease and is recommended and funded in Aotearoa New Zealand. Despite this, maternal vaccination uptake is low, varies by region and is inequitable, with Māori and Pacific māmā (mothers) less likely to receive vaccination. Aim. To determine what interventions currently exist to support and encourage maternal vaccination against influenza and pertussis and what changes and interventions could be implemented to improve coverage, with a focus on Māori and Pacific hapū māmā (pregnant mothers). Methods. Interviews with six participants with diverse roles in the vaccination workforce were conducted. Participants were involved in education, certification and supporting vaccinators, high-level strategising, and vaccination. Interviews aimed to determine what interventions currently exist for hapū māmā, what changes need to be made to improve coverage and how Māori and Pacific people have been specifically engaged. Qualitative data analysis was used to determine themes. Results. Participants identified that interventions must focus on prioritising and emphasising the importance of maternal vaccination, promoting collaboration and innovation, making interventions accessible, and empowering Māori- and Pacific-driven avenues to vaccination. To create positive foundations, participants identified the importance of building and maintaining trust and affording mothers’ time and autonomy in vaccination. Discussion. Healthcare professionals need to proactively engage hapū māmā about vaccination and collaborate in service delivery. Interventions must be suitably accessible and allow for the autonomy of hapū māmā over vaccination decisions. Equity should be considered at the foundation of vaccine interventions to improve the accessibility of vaccines to all communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Prediabetes is the asymptomatic precursor to type two diabetes mellitus, a significant and growing public health problem in New Zealand (NZ). Little is known about how general practitioners (GPs) and nurses view prediabetes care, and similarly little is known about how people with prediabetes view their condition and care. Aim. This study aimed to investigate the views of NZ GPs and nurses, and people with prediabetes about prediabetes and its management. Methods. This was a mixed qualitative methods study that is part of a randomised control trial of a prediabetes intervention. Results. Three key themes emerged from the health professional data (GPs and nurses) and another three themes emerged from people with prediabetes data. GPs and nurses were uncertain about the progression of prediabetes; they felt prediabetes was not a priority and they were unsure about what to advise. People with prediabetes were uncertain about the diagnosis and information given to them; they were unsure about what to do about prediabetes and they found lifestyle change hard. Discussion. GPs, nurses and people with prediabetes, expressed much uncertainty, but also some certainty about prediabetes. All were certain that prediabetes is common and increasing and that sustained lifestyle change was very difficult. But uncertainty prevailed about whether, in reality, prediabetes could be stopped, who would be most likely to benefit from lifestyle interventions and how best to achieve these. Older Māori and Pacific women were keen to promote lifestyle change and this appeared best done through Māori and Pacific peoples' organisations by means of co-designed interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]