Indigenous Albertans are twice as likely to suffer from diabetes and liver cancer, and three times as likely to attempt suicide compared to non-Indigenous Albertans (Burles, 2019). Research is often done on prevalence rates and health outcomes of Indigenous populations in Canada, but less initiatives have been directed towards improving health care services for this population. I will provide research, service, and practice examples currently being done in Alberta to help improve the health inequalities experienced by Indigenous people.
Alberta Health Services Indigenous Research Initiative
In 2016 engagement sessions in two First Nation communities in Alberta were held to better understand the healthcare challenges and barriers that the Indigenous population is experiencing. These sessions revealed that patients and families were; frustrated with the health care system, they were unaware of services, and overwhelmed with how to access services (Burles, 2019). Session participants shared that patient navigation would be a way to help with some of the challenges in accessing health care. Early this year the Alberta Health Services South Zone was awarded an Alberta Innovates research grant. This research grant will be used to improve transitions in care for Indigenous Albertans with the use of the Indigenous Patient Navigation Model (Burles, 2019). This model will include the creation of two Indigenous Patient Navigators for Alberta Health Services South Zone. These navigators will help patients move through the healthcare system, and clarify and explain communications between medical staff and Indigenous patients. In a study conducted in Western Canada, Cameron, Plazas, Salas, Bearskin and Hungler (2104) found that Indigenous Community Healthcare Representatives helped Indigenous patients with communication barriers, they felt more supported, and respected. Both Cameron et al. (2014) and the new AHS initiative highlight the importance of incorporating Indigenous health professionals into all healthcare services. Having Indigenous healthcare professionals in health settings can eliminate many barriers that Indigenous people may experience when accessing needed services, which in turn will improve health outcomes.
Alberta Health Services Indigenous Health Programs
Through my work as a mental health evaluator for Alberta Health Services I have become familiar with two resources that are specifically designed to support Indigenous Albertans.
The Indigenous Mental Health Program offers culturally appropriate mental health services and works with nurses, physicians and other service providers to provide a holistic approach to care. Services provided include: counselling, group therapy, trauma informed therapy, traditional wellness counselling, outreach services, assessment, education, community development, culturally safe patient and family centered care, and referrals (Alberta Health Services, n.d.).
The Elbow River Healing Lodge is another AHS service which offers a range of primary care services (i.e., onsite Elders, traditional wellness and healing, examinations, family focused care) and specialized services (i.e., neurology, nutrition, psychiatry) for Indigenous Albertans (Alberta Health Services, n.d.). The Elbow River Healing Lodge and the Indigenous Mental Health Program are located in a downtown Calgary urgent care medical centre.
Education on Indigenous Health
In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Call to Action the Alberta Government committed that all Alberta Health Services employees would be required to complete Indigenous awareness and sensitivity trainings. All of AHS staff must complete a 30 minute online “Introduction to Indigenous Peoples in Alberta”, and a 3 hour online “Indigenous Awareness and Sensitivity Certificate” program. The AHS CEO explained that Indigenous learning is not new to AHS, but that these trainings will increase the collective awareness and understanding of Indigenous history and culture of AHS staff. The CEO also noted that all AHS employees play a role in ensuring the healthcare system welcomes and respects Albertans of all cultures, traditions and beliefs (AHS CEO, personal communication, October 25, 2018).
Cameron et al. (2014) explain that it is important for Indigenous culture and social justice to be taught to nurses prior to entering the profession, so that they can be agents of changed and compassion. I think it is a great first step that AHS has made in educating its employees, but I believe that this material should be taught before entering the professional world. I feel that this education is more of a life skill and knowledge that everyone should have regardless of profession.
Alberta is moving in the Right Direction
At this point in time it seems that Alberta Health Services is moving in the right direction when it comes to supporting Indigenous patients and their families. Work still needs to be done, and relationships still need to be formed, but it seems that finally improving healthcare for vulnerable population has become a priority of the Alberta government.
References
Alberta Health Services (n.d.). Elbow river healing lodge, Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1009201
Alberta Health Services (n.d.). Indigenous health services by zone. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page7628.aspx
Alberta Health Services (n.d.). Indigenous mental health program. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/findhealth/Service.aspx?id=1017002
Burles. P. (2019). Research aims to improve Indigenous health outcomes. Retrieved from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/news/Page14907.aspx
Cameron. B., Plazas. M., Salas. A., Bearskin. B., Hungler. K. (2014). Understanding inequalities in access to health care services for Aboriginal People. Advances in Nursing Science, 37(3), E1-E16.
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