Ha Ora: Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer in primary healthcare for Maori communities

Objective: The objective of this research was to document the barriers to early presentation and diagnosis of lung cancer within primary healthcare, identified by Maori whanau (families) and primary healthcare providers in the Midland region of Aotearoa New Zealand. Methods: This project used a kaupapa Maori approach. Nine community hui (focus groups) and nine primary healthcare provider hui were carried out in five rural localities in the Midland region. Each community hui included cancer patients, whanau, and other community members. Each healthcare provider hui comprised staff members at the local primary healthcare centre, including General Practitioners and nurses. Hui data were thematically analysed. Results: Barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer were categorised into three key themes: GP relationship and position in the community, health literacy and pathways to diagnosis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that culturally responsive, patient-centred healthcare, and positive GP-patient relationships are significant factors for Maori patients and whanau serving as barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer.

Automated summary

This study revealed that culturally responsive, patient-centered healthcare, and positive GP-patient relationships are significant factors for Maori patients and whanau that serve as barriers and enablers to early diagnosis of lung cancer.