Health and Environmental Sciences
The purpose of this research is to develop the Cook Islands-based palliative care model, Te vaerua kopu tangata ora (the wellness of the family spirit), and to see how this model can be used to care for adults requiring palliative care. The hope is by developing this model and using it in the clinical setting, adult palliative care services will be better equipped and more accessible to Cook Islands families and the wider Pacific community.
(15-30) community members will participate in this study
Being part of this study involves taking part in one or two group interviews, each group interview will be 60 to 90 minutes long. There will be between 4-6 participants in each group interview. The groups will be determined by location. We’ll do our best to hold the focus group in a location as close to you as possible, to make it convenient for you to attend.
Locations will include South Auckland – Otara Hall. West Auckland – location to be advised.
The first interview (between 60-90 mins) will focus on discussing the proposed model of care for palliative care, as well as exploring cultural and community perspectives on the model. You will be invited to share your insights, experiences, and suggestions to help shape and improve the model. Key findings from these meetings will be presented to palliative health clinicians.
The second interview (between 60-90 mins) is optional and will provide an opportunity for you as a community member to review and refine the model further. During this session, key findings from interviews with clinicians will be presented back to the community group, and you will be asked to reflect on this information and provide additional feedback to ensure the model aligns with community needs and values.
Your input will play a vital role in developing a community-informed model of care. Participation in the second interview is entirely voluntary, and you can choose to attend only the first session if you prefer.
You'll receive a $50 supermarket voucher as an acknowledgement of your contribution. A meal will also be provided at each interview.
You're invited to be part of this study if you identify yourself as someone who has an interest in improving health services for Cook Islands families, have an interest or experience in caring for an unwell family member, and are willing to share the knowledge/experience in a group setting.
To participate in this study, you must be
• 18 years of age or over
• Of Cook Islands heritage
• Reside in Auckland
Approved by the Auckland University of Technology Ethics Committee on 2025-07-11 for 3 years.
#25/105
Amy Henry, amy.henry@aut.ac.nz
You can browse all AUT research projects currently recruiting for participants on the page below.