Healthcare workers are invited to participate in a survey on the challenges they face when enrolling and engaging whānau and their pēpi in primary care.

The survey – led by researchers from the University of Auckland and the University of Otago – aims to identify primary care actions which will support timely immunisation and protection of tamariki Māori from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Partnering with Hāpai te Hauora, researchers will engage with healthcare workers and whānau whose pēpi were not enrolled within seven weeks of birth to understand their experiences better. 

Participants will be asked to share their knowledge and opinions about the newborn enrolment process and what they think is working and what is not.

The survey results will help inform decisions, policies, and practices for the health sector and offer new strategies to address equity gaps, say lead researchers Dr Amber Young (University of Otago) and Dr Samantha Marsh (senior research fellow with the Immunisation Advisory Centre).

Pēpi Māori experience low and late immunisation compared with other children, which exposes them to the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases. Pēpi Māori who are not enrolled with primary healthcare services are less likely to receive their 6-week immunisations on time and are delayed in their protection from diseases.

‍Who can participate in the survey: Anyone working in a general practice or a community setting looking after a newborn's health and the health of their whānau, either in a clinical or non-clinic.

Duration of the survey: The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete. Respondents will have the option to go into the draw to win one of five Prezzie Cards.

More information: Please see the Participant Information Sheet here, or if you would like to speak with a member of the research team, please get in touch with Dr Amber Young: amber.young@otago.ac.nz

Click here to complete the survey:

https://auckland.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Jf5sIZvmnyDn3o

‍