First Nations partnering with emergency rooms in Alberta to improve triage, treatment – APTN News
The University of Alberta is working with First Nations in that province to address a troubling hospital issue.
A January 2022 report found that Indigenous peoples were being triaged in emergency rooms differently than other patients.
The U of A study looked at 11 million emergency room visits across the province. The data showed about a third of Indigenous patients were assessed as less urgent than others.
“We’ve heard for years the stories from Indigenous people about the bad outcomes,” said Dr. Esther Tailfeathers of Kainai First Nation south of Calgary. “Either they leave before being seen because of their treatment, or treatment that is sub-optimal and results in greater morbidity or mortality.”
Tailfeathers is the co-lead on a new, four-year project aimed at ensuring Indigenous patients are receiving proper care.
