Abstract
Introduction: Pacific populations in New Zealand are aging, but little is known in the health-care environment about their experiences with cognitive impairment.
Aim: The aim was to explore the needs of Pacific peoples affected by age-related cognitive decline from the perspectives of health-care providers.
Methods: Six health-care service providers from organisations focused on Pacific patients were interviewed to determine services available to aged Pacific peoples, access, and whether they met Pacific people's needs.
Results: Three areas of concern were identified by all participants: access to services; getting a diagnosis; and communication and language. Many experienced a lack of information and poor access to services. Diagnosis of cognitive impairment was frequently made difficult by inconsistent access to general practitioners in lower socio-economic areas. Communication was hindered by poor access to information in Pacific languages.
Discussion: Common themes noted by all participating health-care providers indicated the needs of aged Pacific people experiencing cognitive decline were often not being met.