A new study says Indigenous patients are more likely to leave Alberta emergency departments before receiving care than non-Indigenous patients, citing anti-Indigenous racism as one of the reasons why.
Patrick McLane from the University of Alberta says provincial data from 2012 to 2017 showed 6.8 per cent of Indigenous patients leaving emergency departments before being seen or receiving medical care. A stark difference from the 3.7% of non-Indigenous people.
McLane spoke with CFWE Radio and said there were a number of factors that could lead to Indigenous patients leaving the hospital before getting treatment.
Further confirmation came from interviews conducted from 2019 to 2022 with Indigenous people who allegedly were asked stereotypical questions based around substance abuse, overhearing racist comments and the feeling of waiting longer than other patients.
The study had information from different medical centers from across the province, with issues arising from different geographical locations, prompting McLane to see the current health care system as a major issue.
The study included many sharing circles with Indigenous people, when asked what possible solutions could be, McLane mentioned Indigenous led programming and culturally safe practices within the facility.
CFWE reached out to Alberta Health Services for a comment on the matter and issued this statement:
“AHS is committed to ensuring every Albertan has timely access to care, when and where they need it, regardless of background. We acknowledge that some Indigenous people face barriers accessing care because they do not feel safe or welcome within the healthcare system. This has to change.
AHS was a partner in this study and welcomed the opportunity to make improvements within the health system to ensure Indigenous patients and families are receiving the quality care they deserve.
To improve patient experience and the level of care that Indigenous patients and their families receive, AHS continues to implement the Indigenous Health Commitments: A Roadmap to Wellness, which provides guidance and direction to improve care for all Indigenous peoples in Alberta.”
McLane’s study was posted to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, you can read the full report here.
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