Evaluation of a Cook Islands Māori model of palliative care: a protocol

Abstract Aim This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness, cultural appropriateness, and feasibility of the Cook Islands palliative care model te vaerua kōpū tangata ora within palliative care practice. Background Access to palliative and end of life care is a recognised human right, yet significant disparities persist for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa, New Zealand. While the understanding of different cultural perspectives has grown, in Aotearoa, there remain gaps in the delivery of culturally appropriate palliative care. Methodology This study will use a Cook Islands Tīvaevae research methodology to guide semi-structured interviews with 25-35 Cook Islands community members and 10 palliative care clinicians. This approach will support a rich, relational, and culturally grounded exploration of how a Cook Islands Māori palliative care model can be integrated into clinical practice. Discussion Recommendations to improve culturally responsive palliative care will be formulated in collaboration with community members and clinicians. The study will contribute to the limited body of knowledge on Pacific cultural understandings of palliative care and provide practical insights into applying an indigenous Pacific model within the palliative care system.