That's Interesting

This article from RNZ summarises the findings from a recent study by the University of Waikato. The study found that Māori patients receive fewer prescriptions for metformin than non-Māori, despite suffering from the disease at twice the rate.

Lynne Chepulis, Christopher Mayo, Brittany Morison, Rawiri Keenan, Chunhuan Lao, Ryan Paul and Ross Lawrenson. Journal of Primary Health Care 12(4). November 2020. 

This study from the University of Waikato investigated metformin adherence among New Zealand patients. Prescription and dispensing data was used in the analysis and the study found that ethnic disparity exists for metformin prescribing, leading to an overall reduction in metformin treatment for Māori patients.

Final Report. Shirley Simmonds, Marnie Carter, Nick Preval and Ross Wilson. Medical Council of New Zealand, and Te Ohu Rata O Aotearoa (Te ORA). 17 September 2020. 

This independent report outlines findings of the current state of cultural safety and health equity delivered by doctors practising in Aotearoa New Zealand and experienced by patients and whānau. Māori patients’ experiences are the focus of the report, however many of the challenges and solutions will be applicable to other ethnic groups and populations who experience inequitable healthcare.

Elana Curtis, Rhys Jones, David Tipene-Leach, Curtis Walker, Belinda Loring, Sarah-Jane Paine and Papaarangi Reid. International Journal for Equity in Health (2019)18:174.

The Atlas of Healthcare Variation displays easy-to-use maps, graphs, tables and commentaries that highlight variations by geographic area in the provision and use of specific health services and health outcomes.

Leanne Te Karu MHSc(Hons); Linda Bryant MPharm, PhD; Matire Harwood PhD, Bruce Arroll MBChB, PhD, FRNZCGP. Journal of Primary Health Care 10(1):11-15. March 2018.

PHARMAC's 2019 paper provides a working definition of medicine access equity in the Aotearoa New Zealand context.