title: Achieving equitable outcomes for Māori women with cervical cancer in New Zealand: health provider views.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study explored health provider views on changing survival disparities between Māori and non-Māori women, the management of cervical cancer in New Zealand, and achieving equitable outcomes from cervical cancer for Māori women.
  
  
  METHODS
  This research followed on from a cohort study of cervical cancer treatment and survival in New Zealand. Focus groups were undertaken with three provider groups in different regions working across the range of cervical cancer services. Focus group transcripts were analysed to identify key themes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Providers were encouraged by the reported improvement in survival disparities between Māori and non-Māori women over time. The themes of discussion relating to cervical cancer management included: communication and education; screening; access to treatment; pathways through care; patient factors; and, system standards. Providers also suggested options for further improvements in the management of cervical cancer.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The focus groups identified that despite improvements over time in cervical cancer disparities between Māori and non-Māori and in the management of cervical cancer, further effort is required to achieve equitable outcomes for Māori, particularly in the areas of prevention and early detection.
authors.affiliation: Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare, Department of Public Health, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, New Zealand. melissa.mcleod@otago.ac.nz
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McLeod
authors.forename: Donna
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cormack
authors.forename: Ricci
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Harris
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Robson
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sykes
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Crengle
mesh_terms: D015331:Cohort Studies; D003142:Communication; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006266:Health Education; D006293:Health Promotion; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D054625:Healthcare Disparities; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009520:New Zealand / Q000453:epidemiology; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D011322:Primary Prevention; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy