Addressing the realities [correction of realties] of health care in northern aboriginal communities through participatory action research

• Published in: Journal of interprofessional care Vol. 18; no. 4; pp. 360 - 368
• Main Authors: Minore, Bruce, Boone, Margaret, Katt, Mae, Kinch, Peggy, Birch, Stephen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01-11-2004
• Subjects: Canada - epidemiology; Community Health Services - economics; Community Health Services - supply & distribution; Community Participation; Continuity of Patient Care - economics; Continuity of Patient Care - organization & administration; Diabetes Mellitus - ethnology; Diabetes Mellitus - therapy; Female; Health Services Accessibility - organization & administration; Humans; Indians, North American; Male; Mental Health Services - supply & distribution; Neoplasms - ethnology; Neoplasms - therapy; Rural Health Services - economics; Rural Health Services - supply & distribution
• ISSN: 1356-1820

To address concerns about disruptions in the continuity of health care delivered to residents in three remote aboriginal communities in northern Ontario, Canada, the local health authority initiated a study in collaboration with the department of Health Canada responsible for ensuring that aboriginal reserves receive mandatory health services, and an inter-disciplinary team of researchers from two universities. The study focussed on the delivery of oncology, diabetes and mental health care, specifically, as well as systems issues such as recruitment and retention of health human resources and financial costs. The paper discusses the procedures involved, the benefits derived and the challenges encountered in doing this as a community driven participatory action research project. It also summarizes the findings that led to community formulated policy and program recommendations.