Lay summary
The aim of this doctoral study is to improve health outcomes for Samoan people with cardiovascular disease. This project will examine the pathways through care experienced by Samoan people with cardiovascular disease in Auckland. I am interested in understanding how the steps in the care pathway at primary and secondary care levels interact and how these interactions influence health outcomes. Through qualitative methods, including one-on-one and focus group talanoa sessions, observation and case studies, the research will add another dimension to our understanding of the nature of CVD care for Samoan people and the potential for improvements. The research objectives are to explore Samoan people’s experiences of CVD pathways of care; explore Samoan people’s understanding of their illness; identify barriers to using services for CVD care; and explore healthcare providers’ perspectives of the provision of health care to Samoan people with CVD.