Abstract
Globally, there are significant inequalities and disparities in health service delivery to Indigenous populations, including Māori in Aotearoa/New Zealand. This study explored the experiences of adult Māori patients in the emergency department (ED) of a district health facility in New Zealand. Qualitative research exploring the ED experiences of Māori patients is limited. Two semistructured interviews with 4 Māori participants were conducted, audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed with the help of the Māori health department within the hospital. The participants identified 3 main areas of improvements relating to (a) the ED environment, (b) the interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs), and (c) the unique factors faced by the kaumātua (Māori elders). The main conclusions were that aspects of the ED environment, including the room layout and lack of privacy, could negatively influence Maori ED experiences. In addition, HCPs not adequately integrating the Māori view of health in their clinical practice also had a negative influence. The kaumātua faced unique challenges, including the language barrier and lack of sufficient information from HCPs during their patient journey. Educating HCPs and making the ED environment more sensitive to Māori could improve their experience.
