Creating a new dynamic in Aboriginal health

In early 2004, an evidence-based prenatal care workshop was held for community health nurses working in First Nations communities in British Columbia. The purpose of the workshop was to begin a dialogue on the use of evidence to improve prenatal care in First Nations communities. Specifically, selected models of knowledge transfer to improve care were introduced and discussed. Of the 81 nurses who participated, 52 completed a feedback questionnaire. Most of the participants (73%) were community health nurses. They worked across diverse geographic settings and health-care administration models (federally managed, band managed, tribal council managed). Seventy-three per cent of the nurses reported that a participatory model of knowledge transfer was important or very important. They also identified priority target audiences (stakeholders) for knowledge transfer strategies. Exploring stakeholders' views, values and priorities related to prenatal care and creating informal dialogue among these groups was identified as a next step in participatory transfer and exchange of knowledge to improve prenatal care in First Nations communities.