Lay summary
A previous study identified the major barriers leading Pacific patients referred to publicly funded bariatric surgery programmes to drop out at the highest rates of all patient groups. The gap remains now in addressing the structural, social and economic barriers facing Pacific bariatric surgery patients through more culturally sensitive and relevant support that could empower patients to complete this life-saving surgery. This is a pilot-study to test whether a Pacific-led pre-surgery support programme will improve patient retention and treatment outcomes in the bariatric surgery programme at Auckland City hospital in 2020. The results will be used directly by the ADHB bariatric surgery programme, as well as disseminated as a Pacific culturally relevant clinical support model to other DHB bariatric surgery programmes and health services.