Seeing Our Native Patients: A Case-based Learning Module on Intergenerational Trauma in American Indian/Alaska Native...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Indigenous Studies

Background:

• Intergenerational trauma significantly impacts American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations, contributing to chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy.
• Medical education frequently overlooks the unique health challenges and sociopolitical issues faced by Tribal Nations, leading to provider knowledge gaps and care inequities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a workshop aimed at enhancing medical providers' understanding of intergenerational trauma within AI/AN populations.
• To address the deficit in medical curricula concerning AI/AN health disparities and sociopolitical factors.

Main Methods:

• A workshop was designed incorporating case-based learning, original videos, and interactive reflection.
• Content covered AI/AN history, intergenerational trauma transmission, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis, and relevant resources.
• The workshop was delivered to 46 participants, with pre- and post-workshop surveys assessing knowledge and resource familiarity.

Main Results:

• Post-workshop surveys showed a significant increase in correct answer selection for two out of four prompts (p < .01).
• Participants demonstrated a significant improvement in familiarity with Indigenous resources (p < .01).
• Participant feedback highlighted the helpfulness of skill-focused teaching and provided resources.

Conclusions:

• The workshop successfully addressed a gap in medical education regarding intergenerational trauma and AI/AN health.
• It provided crucial context on health impacts, including medicolegal barriers in the MMIP crisis.
• The training equipped providers with Indigenous resources to improve care for AI/AN patients.