New $1.39M research initiative aims to transform rural healthcare
Groundbreaking research project aims to improve healthcare access for Māori communities through innovative point-of-care testing.
The project, backed by a Health Research Council grant, is the result of an invitation by community providers Te Hiku Hauora and Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust to partner with them to develop this innovative approach of point of care testing. Co-led by Associate Professor Liza Edmonds and Dr Kendall Stevenson of Te Tātai Hauora o Hine (the National Centre for Women's Health Research Aotearoa) at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, the project aims to explore the question does the implementation of near-to-whānau testing, improve access to timely diagnostic and treatment services for Māori communities?
"Point-of-care testing (PoCT) technology represents a significant advancement in rural healthcare delivery," says Associate Professor Liza Edmonds. "By bringing diagnostic capabilities directly to communities, we can potentially dramatically reduce the time between testing and treatment for infections that, if left untreated, can lead to serious complications."
This approach seeks to evaluate how and whether the technology improves access, diagnosis, and treatment for whānau. The research will focus on conditions that often result in admissions of tamariki to hospital, such as skin infections and strep throat. A particular focus is on preventing serious complications from common infections. For instance, Group A Streptococcus infection, if left untreated, can lead to rheumatic heart disease and kidney disease—both conditions that are common in Aotearoa New Zealand but largely preventable with timely treatment.
Point-of-care testing involves both taking a swab and processing the result at a clinic, providing results within an hour. This is much quicker than current testing, which can take days or weeks, especially in rural areas, when swabs have to be sent to the laboratory away from the clinic. The research team includes other investigators from Te Tātai Hauora o Hine, Te Hiku Hauora, and The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer working together alongside the community providers Te Hiku Hauora and Ngā Kete Mātauranga Pounamu Charitable Trust. The project builds upon the team’s previous successful work with PoCT for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) screening and community engagement. This Kaupapa Māori project ensures that the study aligns with Māori values and practices.
"We know that tamariki and their whānau often deal with a healthcare system that wasn't designed with their needs in mind," explains Dr Stevenson. "This project puts whānau at the centre of care, ensuring that Māori providers and communities have direct input into developing clinical care pathways that work for them."