Lay summary
This project will seek to explore the changing profile of Māori and non-Māori children and whānau referred to specialist paediatric palliative care in Aotearoa and service provision through an equity lens. This exploratory work will include analysis of available data through Te Whatu Ora, and engagement with key stakeholders, including clinicians - both referrers and those working in services caring for children with serious illness with low referral rates to the service - and with iwi, hāpu and Māori hauora to ensure services meet the needs of Māori communities. This work is essential to inform research priorities for a new research programme in paediatric palliative care and to improve equitable access for all children with serious illness and their whānau across Aotearoa.