Palliative care for First Nations people in British Columbia ...

• Main Author: Falk, Miranda
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2019
• Subjects: First Nations
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0379878; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0379878

Background: First Nations people in Canada experience higher rates of chronic illness among an aging Aboriginal population, highlighting the importance of exploring palliative care for First Nations people. Methods: The aim of this qualitative descriptive study, which was informed by Indigenous methodologies and guided by the 4 R’s (respect, relevance, reciprocity and responsibility), was to explore capacities, barriers and cultural safety in the delivery of palliative care for First Nations people. Data were collected from seven Aboriginal Patient Liaisons/Navigators from two regional health authorities in British Columbia using semi-structured interviews. Findings: Participants identified important aspects of palliative care for First Nations people they had worked with: cultural and spiritual diversity; the importance of family and community at end of life (EOL); the importance of ceremony at EOL; and the effects of colonialism and associated trauma at EOL. Participants provided recommendations for health ...