Abstract
Aim: We co-designed a study investigating the effect of age and ethnicity on heart structure and function in older Māori that aimed to reduce barriers to participation by conducting clinics at marae in Ōtautahi Christchurch, New Zealand.
Method: A Kaupapa-Māori-centred approach was used to undertake a cardiac study in a culturally safe environment. A Māori Governance Rōpū was established to co-design the study alongside Pākēhā Principal Investigator, Dr Andree Pearson. Clinics were held at four marae in Ōtautahi Christchurch: Rāpaki, Tuahiwi, Rehua and Ngā Hau e Whā. Participants were recruited by word-of-mouth following community hui at kaumātua groups at Rehua and Rāpaki marae, with whānau invited to join alongside kaumātua. Following whanaungatanga and consent, clinics consisted of a medical history, bloods, ECG, echocardiogram, and a survey (Te Tatauranga Manawa). Anonymous voluntary feedback by post was invited from participants regarding their experience attending the study clinics.
Results: To date we have recruited 150 participants and have received feedback forms from 25. All stated their satisfaction with the clinics, in particular, positive feedback was received about the location of the study at marae.
Conclusions: Holding a clinical study at marae was extremely well-regarded by participants. As well as working towards ethnic-specific reference ranges for cardiac blood tests and echo interpretation, we hope our methodology will translate to higher Māori participation in future cardiac-related clinical studies.