A cultural analysis of New Zealand palliative care brochures

Low utilization of palliative care services by Māori remains despite increases in services designed to meet Māori needs. The purpose of this study is to explore palliative care information brochures in the context of Māori principles of well-being and communication protocols, and health literacy. We examined 99 brochures from palliative care services in New Zealand and held two focus groups with 12 Māori elders (kaumātua) and extended family (whanau) members. Taking a cultural-discursive approach incorporating Māori worldviews, we analysed textual and conceptual features of the brochures. The findings centred on cultural connection and disconnection within the brochures and serve as a critique of the prominent messages currently presented in these brochures. The findings raise questions about the capacity of agencies to convey culturally resonant messages to kaumātua and their whānau. We identify implications of palliative care brochures for health literacy of provider organizations as well as kaumātua and whanau.