AVÐÇÇò

Measuring Cultural Safety in Health Systems: Lessons Learned From Providence Health Care in British Columbia 

This report is primarily intended to support other health service organizations and health authorities in their journey toward eliminating anti-Indigenous racism in Canada’s health systems. The report provides context and lessons learned from Providence Health Care in British Columbia with regards to measuring cultural safety. It is based on the experiences of 1 organization at a given point in time and is unique to that context. 

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Measuring Cultural Safety in Health Systems

Systemic racism results in poor health system performance, adverse health experiences and poor outcomes for Indigenous Peoples. This discussion paper introduces a framework for measuring cultural safety and is paired with a list of potential indicators. It is intended to contribute to the wider discussion about cultural safety and racism in health systems.

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Download the list of indicators (addendum) (PDF)

Respecting OCAP® and supporting First Nations data governance: First Nations home care project

In alignment with the principles of OCAP®,Reference1 some First Nations communities in Alberta have chosen to work with AVÐÇÇò to implement interRAI home care assessments to improve access to home and community care that is comprehensive, culturally safe, accessible, effective and equitable. The project is a collaboration between First Nations communities, Indigenous Services Canada’s First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Momentum Healthware, the First Nations Technical Services Advisory Group (Alberta), Alberta Health Services, Alberta Health, interRAI and AVÐÇÇò. The communities receive training from AVÐÇÇò on how to use the assessment tools and have the option to share data with AVÐÇÇò for community-specific reporting. Since implementation, wait times for assisted living and long-term care have decreased significantly in participating First Nations, and community nurses now have the tools to assess the care needs of their diverse client populations.

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority: AVÐÇÇò Portal access

In 2018, the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) started using AVÐÇÇò Portal to access administrative health data on behalf of the 31 First Nations that it serves. This direct access to Portal has enabled SLFNHA to determine both regional and community-specific rates of emergency department visits and hospital admissions in Ontario and Manitoba, as well as the top causes of utilization.

In September 2018, SLFNHA released Our Children and Youth Health Report — its first regional report that provides information on the health status of infants, children and youth. Community-level information gleaned from the report helped to increase understanding of the distinct health care needs of each community and facilitate associated planning. Ongoing access to AVÐÇÇò Portal helps SLFNHA fulfill its mandate to the region in acting as a data steward for the First Nations it serves. This includes further developing health status reports and health surveillance systems.