First Nations members visit emergency departments nearly twice as often as non-First Nations individuals. This disparity highlights a pressing need to understand and address the unique challenges they face in accessing emergency care. Previous research has shown that First Nations members have distinct experiences of emergency care, often influenced by concerns about stereotyping and experiences of marginalization. A study out of Alberta published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) revealed a troubling reality: acts of racism and discrimination by hospital staff make First Nations patients more likely to leave an emergency room before receiving or completing treatment.
In response to these significant issues, the Equity in Emergency Care Research Program is dedicated to developing and testing educational materials and simulation training scenarios to support Indigenous-directed, anti-racism and equity-oriented care efforts in emergency departments. This blog explores the program’s solution-focused approach and its potential to create lasting change.
First Nations’ Unique Experiences in Emergency Care
First Nations members visit emergency departments more frequently due to various health disparities and socio-economic factors. Their decisions about when and whether to seek emergency care are heavily impacted by the access to routine care on reserve and in the community as well as fears of stereotyping and marginalization. These negative experiences often deter them from accessing timely and necessary care, exacerbating health inequities.
The CMAJ report highlighted a critical issue: racism and discrimination within emergency departments in Alberta lead to higher rates of First Nations patients leaving before completing treatment. This results in worse health outcomes and perpetuates mistrust between First Nations communities and healthcare providers. Addressing these issues is essential for improving health equity and ensuring that First Nations members receive the care they need.
Introducing the Equity in Emergency Care Simulation Program
The Equity in Emergency Care Research Program aims to develop educational materials and simulation training scenarios for clinicians, nurses and operational leaders to address racism and discrimination in emergency care. By focusing on solutions, the program seeks to create lasting change in how healthcare providers interact with First Nations patients.
Simulation training offers healthcare providers hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for real-world interactions. The program designs scenarios that reflect common situations First Nations patients may encounter in emergency departments. These simulations aim to help develop empathy, practical skills and enhance recognition of cognitive biases enabling providers to respond appropriately and respectfully.
The program fosters collaboration between First Nations communities, healthcare providers, and researchers. The program ensures that solutions are comprehensive and culturally appropriate by including diverse voices and perspectives. This collaborative approach is key to addressing systemic issues and promoting equity in healthcare.
Expected Outcomes and Impact
As trust between First Nations communities and healthcare providers is restored, First Nations members may be more likely to seek timely emergency care. This shift can improve health outcomes and contribute to greater health equity.
The program’s efforts have broader implications for systemic change in healthcare. By addressing racism and discrimination, the program sets a precedent for other regions and healthcare systems to follow. The Equity in Emergency Care Research Program can serve as a model for creating equitable and culturally sensitive healthcare environments.
Addressing racism and discrimination in emergency care for First Nations communities is crucial for improving health equity. The Equity in Emergency Care Research Program’s solution-focused approach is a step toward creating meaningful change. By empowering Indigenous-informed initiatives and fostering collaboration, the program seeks to ensure that First Nations members receive respectful and effective emergency care.