What matters most in palliative care for Pacific families and in what context?

This study focuses on improving palliative care for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. Palliative care supports people with life-limiting conditions and their families, yet Pacific communities face significant barriers to accessing timely and culturally appropriate care. Despite a preference for home-based care, Pacific peoples are more likely to rely on emergency and hospital services at the end of life, leading to higher costs and poorer experiences. These challenges are expected to worsen as the Pacific population ages and chronic illness rates rise. The research will use a mixed-methods approach, combining interviews with Pacific families and clinicians, analysis of national health data, and community workshops. Guided by Pacific methodologies such as Tīvaevae and Talanoa, the project will co-develop a Pacific Palliative Care model. This model aims to reduce inequities, improve care pathways, and ensure services align with Pacific values and preferences, while also informing policy and strengthening national palliative care.