A cultural analysis of New Zealand palliative care brochures

Abstract

Low utilization of palliative care services by Maori remains despite increases in services designed to meet Maori needs. The purpose of this study is to explore palliative care information brochures in the context of Maori principles of well-being and communication protocols, and health literacy. We examined 99 brochures from palliative care services in New Zealand and held two focus groups with 12 Maori elders (kaumatua) and extended family (whanau) members. Taking a cultural-discursive approach incorporating Maori worldviews, we analysed textual and conceptual features of the brochures. The findings centred on cultural connection and disconnection within the brochures and serve as a critique of the prominent messages currently presented in these brochures. The findings raise questions about the capacity of agencies to convey culturally resonant messages to kaumatua and their whanau. We identify implications of palliative care brochures for health literacy of provider organizations as well as kaumatua and whanau.