Health care delivery of kidney transplantation to indigenous Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand: A qualitative interview study with clinician stakeholders

Abstract

Objectives Indigenous people experience higher rates of kidney failure than do non-Indigenous Peoples. However, compared to Indigenous patients, health care systems deliver kidney transplantation to non-Indigenous patients at a substantially higher rate and more frequently as the first treatment of kidney failure. Indigenous Māori patients in Aotearoa New Zealand report numerous barriers to kidney transplantation. We explore the perspectives of clinicians as stakeholders in the delivery of kidney transplantation. Methods In 2021/2022 we conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with key stakeholder clinicians within kidney transplantation services in Aotearoa New Zealand, asking them about the issues for Māori patients. We used thematic analysis informed by critical theory to identify key findings and used structural coding to categorize the themes at the level of society, health system, and health services. Results We interviewed 18 clinicians (nine nephrologists, including two transplant nephrologists, and nine nurses, including six transplant coordinators). We identified nine themes from stakeholders related to delivery of kidney transplantation services to Māori patients and whānau (family), categorized according to three main levels: Firstly, at the level of society (the impact of colonization and distrust). Secondly, the health care system (failure to prevent and manage kidney disease, health care model delivers inequitable outcomes, and inadequate Māori health professional workforce). Thirdly, health care services (transplantation reliant on patient and family resources, complex assessment causes untimely delays, clinical criteria for transplantation, and lack of clinician ability to effect change). Conclusions Delivery of kidney transplantation to Indigenous Peoples is impacted at the level of society, health care system, and health care service. To address inequities, a broad approach that addresses each of these levels is required.