| Summary: | Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Māori patients and their families accessing care for an acute out-of-hospital cardiac event and to identify any barriers or enablers of timely access to care. Design: Eleven interviews with patients and their families were conducted either face-to-face or using online conferencing. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis using Kaupapa Māori methodology. Results: Data analysis identified three themes: (1) me and the event, (2) the people (3) upholding te mana ō te wā or self-determined heart wellbeing. Knowledge of symptoms and a desire to maintain personal dignity at the time of the event affected emergency medical service initiation. Participants described relationships with health professionals, the importance of good quality information, having family support, and drawing on cultural practices as vital for their health care journey. Conclusion: Systemic barriers including racism, discrimination, and inadequate resourcing exist for Māori journeying to and through care following an out of hospital cardiac event. Improving the cultural safety of health professionals, better access to community defibrillation, and improving understanding of the life-long impacts a cardiac event has on patients and whānau is recommended.
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