Aim: Information about Pacific patients' access to renal services is limited. This research aims to describe Samoan patients' access to nephrology services in New Zealand.
Methods: Interviews were conducted with six health professionals and four Samoan patients about access to renal services in 2016. Participants were recruited using the snowball method. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. Field notes were also taken. Data were analysed and coded to identify emerging key themes about how Samoan patients access renal services in New Zealand.
Results: Health professionals and Samoan patients' perspectives on pathways for accessing renal services in New Zealand were similar. However, there were differences between perspectives and access. Samoan patients' actual pathways or access to services were often complex involving acute presentations to hospital. Patients moving between New Zealand and Samoa also contributed to these complexities. Miscommunications between patients and health professionals, patients' lack of understanding about chronic kidney diseases, their beliefs and use of traditional medicine also impacted on their pathways to services.
Conclusion: This study identified factors that affected Samoan patients' access to renal services in New Zealand. Raising awareness of chronic kidney diseases and addressing barriers to accessing services is likely to enable timely interventions and improved outcomes.