Lay summary
Cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia is under-recognised and impacts on daily functioning across multiple areas e.g. memory, planning and ability to focus. People who participate in clinical trials for potential medication for cognitive impairment in Waitematā have access to cognitive assessment using the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB), which is an internationally agreed gold standard assessment tool to assess cognition in schizophrenia. At the end of the clinical trial, participants are provided with strengths-based feedback of their cognitive assessments. This is well received by participants and appears to enhance mana. This assessment is not routinely utilised in secondary mental health services in Waitematā, and the main barrier is staff training. This research will explore how tāngata whaiora experience cognitive assessment using the MCCB assessment, the content, the process and feedback. Future health delivery research will focus on improving access to cognitive testing for people with schizophrenia.