Increased Access to Culturally Safe Cancer Care Pathways by Alberta First Nations in Rural Remote and Isolated Communities
Increased Access to Culturally Safe Cancer Care Pathways by Alberta First Nations in Rural Remote and Isolated Communities aimed to improve the cancer pathway for First Nations in Alberta and was inclusive of diagnosis, treatment and discharge or a return to primary‐based care. The objective was to develop and implement a strategy for increased access to cancer care by Alberta First Nations in rural, remote and isolated communities.
Location: Alberta
Timeline: 2014-2017
Funded partner: Alberta Health Services – CancerControl Alberta
Partners:
- Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre
- Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations
- Canadian Indigenous Nurses Association
- Health Canada, First Nations Inuit Health Branch
- Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada
- Treaty 8 First Nations of Alberta
- Treaty 7 Management Corporation
- University of Alberta
- University of Calgary
Focus:
- A needs assessment of First Nation cancer experiences was carried out using focus groups with the intent to identify priorities to increase access to culturally responsive cancer care and improve multi-jurisdictional support of First Nations cancer patients and families along the cancer pathway.
- A feasibility assessment to understand the needs and requirements for collection of First Nations cancer data was also conducted.
- A determinants of health and community-driven approach in conjunction with Indigenous research methodologies was used to guide the work undertaken in this initiative.
Outcomes:
- The Alberta Baseline Assessment Report, describing the cancer care experiences of First Nations in Alberta.
- Created a framework for the development and use of First Nation identifiers in cancer care