Aim: The study aimed to explore the impact of middle ear disease on the lives of New Zealand Māori. Ear disease is common, yet there is a paucity of research into the effect it has on people's lives, particularly indigenous populations.
Method: The study used Kaupapa Māori-based qualitative methodology and involved a series of seven semi-structured interviews with Māori adults living with middle ear disease.
Background: Māori are significantly under-represented in the surgical workforce in Aotearoa New Zealand. There needs to be more effort and initiative action to address this lack of diversity in order to ultimately achieve proportionality so that more Māori surgeons are available to help treat and care for their communities.
Methods: An independent kaupapa Māori wānanga (course) initiative, using a 'by Māori, for Māori' approach, and adhering to tīkanga Māori (Māori lore and protocols) was developed to support and prepare Māori Non-Training Surgical Registrars for the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Surgical Education and Training (SET) interviews.