Lay summary
This research focuses on understanding the experiences of wāhine Māori who have engaged in the Best Start early pregnancy model of care through a retrospective qualitative study. It is a critical step in a series of research activities investigating the Best Start model in primary care. Best Start is a tool and model of care aimed at identifying social and health risks that could affect pregnancy outcomes, integrated into primary care practice management software. Previous research demonstrated the feasibility of Best Start and its equitable delivery to a high proportion of hapū māmā. This study seeks direct feedback from māmā on their experience with Best Start to refine the model for wider implementation. It aims to validate the model from māmā perspective, inform service development, and endorse the tool and model of care for wider implementation.