Prioritizing indigenous health equity in health registers: an environmental scan of strategies for equitable ascertainment and quality data

Abstract Background Cerebral palsy (CP) registers serve as instrumental tools to support development of care pathways, preventative strategies, and health gains. Such health gains, however, are not always universal, with Indigenous health inequities common. To support Indigenous health, health registers need complete, consistent, and high-quality data. The aim of this study was to identify perceived barriers to the ascertainment of Indigenous peoples on health registers and to collate strategies supporting comprehensive ascertainment and achievement of high-quality Indigenous data. Methods Environmental scanning methods were utilized within a Kaupapa Māori theoretical framework, which aims to produce research that is transformational and supportive of Indigenous health gain. Knowledge and insights were obtained from CP registers in countries with Indigenous populations and complemented by information from health registers in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). Data collection methods included an online survey and scan of organizational websites. Data extraction focused on general information about the register, barriers to ascertainment, and strategies to support ascertainment and high data quality. Results 52 registers were identified, 20 completed the survey and 19 included in the study (CP registers, n = 10, NZ health registers, n = 9). Web scan data were included for the other 32 registers (CP registers, n = 21, NZ health registers, n = 11). Indigenous health equity was identified in the visions and aims of only two health registers. Ethnicity data collection was identified in nearly three quarters of survey respondents and a limited number of organizational websites. Over half of survey respondents described system, health provider/service, or workforce barriers to ascertainment. Strategies were categorized into collaboration, health provider/service, workforce, and systems-levels. Indigenous-specific strategies were limited and focused on personal behaviour and access to registration. Conclusions CP and other health registers can have a significant role in identifying and addressing Indigenous health inequities. However, this is not currently an overt priority for many registers in this study and few registers describe ascertainment and data quality strategies specific to Indigenous peoples. Significant opportunity exists for health registers to be accountable and to implement approaches to support Indigenous health equity, address structural determinants of inequities, and achieve health gain for all.