Abstract:
Aims: The Maori Case Management Clinic Project aims to improve Maori health outcomes by establishing low cost, high quality, culturally appropriate primary care facilities in targeted areas, with a focus on the management of chronic illness. Further, the project aims to evaluate this 'by Maori for Maori' model of community healthcare delivery. Methods: Working in partnership with local Maori health providers, we analysed the available health utilisation and demographic data to choose the three best sites to establish new primary care facilities. We established the facilities with initial start-up funding from Counties Manukau District Health Board. Rigorous evaluation processes have been built into the project. Results: Enrolments at the first of the three clinics exceeded expectations. Client satisfaction as reported by independent evaluators was very high, with cost, cultural acceptability and convenience of location being the three most common reasons given for high satisfaction. Conclusions: The model adopted has been positively received by the targeted population. Further evaluation will reveal whether this resulted in improved health outcomes.
