Funding outcome

EDs play an important role in providing care to those who have limited access to other health services. Despite this, the patient experiences in ED differ between First Nations and non-First Nations people and First Nations members are more likely to leave before being seen by a physician. In addition to differences based on race, sex-based differences exist, as First Nations females use the emergency care system more than their male counterparts, and non-First Nations females and males. Further research is needed on how sex and First Nation identity affect ED care. This proposed research project is a part of a larger First Nations ED Quality of Care Project developed in partnership with principal investigator Dr. Patrick McLane, Alberta First Nations Information Governance Centre and others. The data for the proposed research project has been collected through a 5-year study that linked information regarding First Nations status to information related to their emergency stay. This proposed project will examine the statistical differences in emergency department visit characteristics and quality of care received at Alberta EDs for First Nations females compared to First Nations males and non-First Nations females. ED visit characteristics and quality of care indicators include but are not limited to patient age, time of presentation to the ED, whether the patient left the ED without being seen, and diagnosis. The information gathered in the proposed project will describe inequities in the care for First Nations females, and provide evidence for systematic change to specifically address racialized and gendered issues in pursuit of a more equitable healthcare system. While we know not all women are biological females and vice versa, we will interpret the characteristics of female sex patient's ED care as largely reflective of women's ED care. As matriarchs and protectors, improving the health of Indigenous women also improves the health of families and communities.