First Nations members' emergency department experiences in Alberta: a qualitative study

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Health Research
• Health Services Research
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• First Nations members in Alberta utilize Emergency Departments (EDs) at nearly twice the rate of non-First Nations individuals.
• Existing research indicates disparities in ED experiences for First Nations members compared to the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the ED experiences and expectations of First Nations members in Alberta.
• To understand the factors influencing First Nations' use of and experiences within Emergency Departments.

Main Methods:

• A participatory research approach was employed, involving Elders and First Nations communities in topic selection and data collection methods.
• Data were collected through sharing circles with Elders, First Nations patients, healthcare providers, and administrators across Alberta.
• Thematic analysis, with Indigenous team member review, was used to analyze data collected from 46 participants.

Main Results:

• Key findings include First Nations patients' perceptions of ED operations, the impact of limited primary care access on ED utilization, and expectations of differential treatment based on race.
• Participants reported experiences of racism, concerns regarding Children's Services interactions, and instances of healthcare avoidance, including specific hospitals.
• Equity-focused approaches were identified as essential for enhancing First Nations patients' experiences in the ED.

Conclusions:

• Integrating First Nations perspectives into Western understandings of Emergency Department care is vital for identifying necessary health system improvements.
• Addressing identified issues can lead to enhanced patient experiences and improved health outcomes for First Nations individuals accessing ED services.