Experiences of Maori families accessing health care for their unwell children: a pilot study.

The aim of this study was to explore with a small number of Maori families their experiences of accessing health care when their children were unwell with a respiratory condition. Although there is a wide variety of literature exploring Maori and their ability to access health care, there is a very limited amount that describes the experience of individual Maori families in accessing health care for their children. A qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Participating families were among those experiencing an admission to a children's ward between July and December 2003. Four families were interviewed. They discussed in depth their experience of accessing health care for their unwell children. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and three common themes were evident: family resources, choice of health service provider and parents' feelings of vulnerability. The findings highlight that while socio-economic status plays a large part in determining the ease with which families can access the needed health care, there are other barriers within the health system which also pose difficulties for Maori.