Lay summary
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common childhood physical disability worldwide. However, prevalence and health needs are not well understood in New Zealand (NZ). Emerging data from the NZ Cerebral Palsy Register (NZCPR) suggests health, social and representation inequities for Māori children. Relevant and comprehensive data is required to identify and address these inequities.
Built on a kaupapa Māori framework, activation activities will take a systems approach and aim to improve Māori health through the following outcomes: (i) identification and establishment of relationships with key stakeholders; (ii) identification and planning for implementation activities to support comprehensive ascertainment of Māori children and young people with CP in the Northern region; and (iii) comprehensive and high-quality ethnicity and clinical data.
Opportunities following activation include descriptive and exploratory research into inequities in prevalence, health service utilisation and needs of Māori with CP. Furthermore, learning will support future improvements in national NZCPR ascertainment.