A tertiary approach to improving equity in health: quantitative analysis of the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) process, 2008-2012.
BACKGROUND
Achieving health equity for indigenous and ethnic minority populations requires the development of an ethnically diverse health workforce. This study explores a tertiary admission programme targeting Māori and Pacific applicants to nursing, pharmacy and health sciences (a precursor to medicine) at the University of Auckland (UoA), Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Application of cognitive and non-cognitive selection tools, including a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI), are examined.


METHODS
Indigenous Kaupapa Māori methodology guided analysis of the Māori and Pacific Admission Scheme (MAPAS) for the years 2008-2012. Multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the predicted effect of admission variables on the final MAPAS recommendation of best starting point for success in health professional study i.e. 'CertHSc' (Certificate in Health Sciences, bridging/foundation), 'Bachelor' (degree-level) or 'Not FMHS' (Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences). Regression analyses controlled for interview year, gender and ancestry.


RESULTS
Of the 918 MAPAS interviewees: 35% (319) were Māori, 58% (530) Pacific, 7% (68) Māori/Pacific; 71% (653) school leavers; 72% (662) females. The average rank score was 167/320, 40-80 credits below guaranteed FMHS degree offers. Just under half of all interviewees were recommended 'CertHSc' 47% (428), 13% (117) 'Bachelor' and 38% (332) 'Not FMHS' as the best starting point. Strong associations were identified between Bachelor recommendation and exposure to Any 2 Sciences (OR:7.897, CI:3.855-16.175; p < 0.0001), higher rank score (OR:1.043, CI:1.034-1.052; p < 0.0001) and higher scores on MAPAS mathematics test (OR:1.043, CI:1.028-1.059; p < 0.0001). MMI stations had mixed associations, with academic preparation and career aspirations more consistently associated with recommendations.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings raise concerns about the ability of the secondary education sector to prepare Māori and Pacific students adequately for health professional study. A comprehensive tertiary admissions process using multiple tools for selection (cognitive and non-cognitive) and the provision of alternative entry pathways are recommended for indigenous and ethnic minority health workforce development. The application of the MMI within an equity and indigenous cultural context can support a holistic assessment of an applicant's potential to succeed within tertiary study. The new MAPAS admissions process may provide an exemplar for other tertiary institutions looking to widen participation via equity-targeted admission processes.
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. e.curtis@auckland.ac.nz.
Elana
E
Curtis
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. e.wikaire@auckland.ac.nz.
Erena
E
Wikaire
Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. y.jiang@auckland.ac.nz.
Yannan
Y
Jiang
Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. louise.mcmillan@auckland.ac.nz.
Louise
L
McMillan
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. r.loto@auckland.ac.nz.
Rob
R
Loto
Faculty of Human, Social and Educational Development, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada. r.loto@auckland.ac.nz.
Airini
Te Kupenga Hauora Māori, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92015, Auckland, New Zealand. p.reid@auckland.ac.nz.
Papaarangi
P
Reid
D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005006:Ethnicity / Q000193:education*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand / Q000208:ethnology; D044382:Population Groups / Q000193:education*; D012574:Schools / Q000592:standards*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors