It’s more than just physical: Experiences of pain and pain management among Māori with cancer and their whānau.

Abstract

This study investigated the experiences of pain and pain management among Māori with cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. Using a qualitative study design underpinned by kaupapa Māori research principles, focus group hui and interviews were held with Māori with cancer and their whānau (n=24). We identified themes relating to holistic experiences of pain and pain management, the importance of appropriate support and good communication, and intertwined cancer and pain journeys that impact holistically on Māori with cancer and their whānau. We argue that Aotearoa’s health care system must expand the scope of what pain and pain management means in the context of cancer and act accordingly by adequately supporting Te Ao Māori-centred approaches. The health care system must also heed the call for culturally responsive pain management for Māori, which is especially important when caring for whānau with a disease where pain - both physical and non-physical - is a common and significant symptom.