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An assessment of Hua Oranga as an outcome tool for Māori with spinal cord injury

Year:
2026
Duration:
24 months
Approved budget:
$108,656.00
Researchers:
Dr Bensy Mathew
,
Associate Professor Matire Harwood
,
Dr Rachelle Martin
Host:
Health New Zealand - Counties Manukau
Proposal type:
Health Delivery Research Development Award
Lay summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) has a huge effect on Quality of Life (QoL). There are a few outcome measures validated for QoL following SCI, but none validated to capture QoL outcomes that are important to Māori and framed by Māori perspective of health. The aim of this pilot study is to measure the effect size of Hua Oranga in assessing QoL for Māori with SCI after inpatient rehabilitation. Thirty patients will be recruited from those admitted to Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit (ASRU) with SCI and identify as Māori. Once consented, their clinician will help them complete the Hua Oranga questionnaire in a structured manner, within 2 weeks of admission and 2 weeks prior to discharge. The effect size obtained from this placement research activity will provide information to conduct a larger adequately powered study looking at psychometric analysis and validation of this tool for Māori with SCI following inpatient rehabilitation. Improving the assessment of QoL, contributes to better informed care with the aim to improve health outcomes for Māori