Project lead: Dr Karen Wright Kāi Tahu The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau (Host)
Māori in Aotearoa experience large and persistent differences in health outcomes compared to non-Māori in nearly all health conditions. While causation of these unfair and unjust differences is understandably complex, differential access to health care services and differences in the quality of care received are contributing factors.
Primary health care, a critical component of our health system, is facing large and rapidly evolving challenges such as workforce shortages, an aging population, increasing clinical complexity and multimorbidity. In response, data and digital technologies have rapidly developed and research exploring impacts of specific innovations on hauora Māori and Māori health equity is emerging.
The current extent of data and digital technologies used in primary health care is unknown and, therefore, the potential impact on hauora Māori and Māori health equity is similarly unclear.Grounded in Kaupapa Māori theory and practice, this research aims to undertake a critical and structural analysis to describe the current primary health care data and digital landscape and how it supports hauora Māori and health equity.
Through relationships and networks, a national survey and case studies, this research will provide insights into data and digital solutions and primary care models that support hauora Māori and health equity.