First Nations members visit emergency departments at a much higher rate than non-First Nations persons. Previous research also shows First Nations members have distinct experiences of emergency care. For example, First Nations members’ decisions about when and even whether to seek emergency care are impacted by concerns about stereotyping and experiences of marginalization. This project aimed to address quality of care with First Nations members in emergency departments (ED) in Alberta.

In collaboration with the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre, and several First Nations partners, this project examined differences in First Nations emergency department patient visit statistics. Through First Nations narratives concerning their experiences in emergency departments and qualitative interviews with emergency providers, the operation and impacts of anti-Indigenous racism in emergency care were described.

An Elder Advisory worked with researchers to develop First Nations-specific definitions of quality of care in the emergency department. These definitions extend beyond the prevailing Western concepts of quality of care, benefiting both First Nations and non-First Nations patients alike.

This project is co-led by the Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre (AFNIGC). Our study team includes First Nations researchers and health workers, and experts in Indigenous methods, health systems research, administrative data analysis, qualitative research, social sciences, and emergency care. Throughout the project, our team upholds the principles of Indigenous Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession (OCAP®) of research data. The work was originally conceptualized by Bonnie Healy and Patrick McLane. Lea Bill has directed Indigenous research methods, OCAP® compliance, incorporation of ceremony within research and engaging Elders.  First Nations organizations involved in developing this project have contributed to the objectives and research plan, highlighted that racism must be named as such in order to be addressed, and reinforced that commitments to reconciliation must be acknowledged.

Knowledge Translation Report

Developing a First Nations Quality of Care Definition for Emergency Care in Alberta

Research Summaries

1. Leaving emergency departments without completing treatment among First Nations and non–First Nations patients in Alberta:a mixed-methods study

2. First Nations Emergency Care in Alberta: Summary of a Descriptive Statistics Study

3. Impacts of Racism on First Nations Patients Emergency Care: Results of a Thematic Analysis of Healthcare Provider Interviews in Alberta, Canada

4. First Nations Status and Emergency Department Triage Scores in Alberta - Briefing

Infographics

1. First Nations Patients' Emergency Care Journey Diagram