Service providers’ perceptions of support needs for Indigenous cancer patients in Saskatchewan: a needs assessment

• Published in: BMC Health Services Research
• Main Authors: Jennifer R. Sedgewick, Anum Ali, Andreea Badea, Tracey Carr, Gary Groot
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021
• Subjects: Indigenous; Needs assessment; Cancer supports; Service providers; Health disparities; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Canada; First Nations
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-021-06821-6; https://doaj.org/article/2f02456dd21f43e6a4081f9ba78e72bb

Abstract Background In Saskatchewan, Canada, Indigenous cancer care services at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels are intended to improve quality care but can result in a complex, fragmented, and multi-jurisdictional health care system. A multi-phase needs assessment project was initiated to document Indigenous cancer care needs. Guided by Indigenous patient partners, clinicians, academics, and policy makers, the present study reflects a needs assessment of Indigenous cancer supports from the perspectives of cancer care service providers. Methods Qualitative data were collected through three focus groups with 20 service providers for cancer patients and their families at three Saskatchewan cities. Participants included chemotherapy and radiation nurses, social workers, a patient navigator, dieticians, and practicum students. A semi-structured interview guide was used to conduct the sessions to allow for freedom of responses. Data were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Service providers’ perspectives were categorized into five themes: 1) addressing travel-related issues, 2) logistical challenges, 3) improvements to Indigenous-specific health care supports, 4) cultural sensitivity in health care, and 5) consistency in care. Supports provided differed for the two Indigenous groups, First Nations and Métis. Service providers made recommendations regarding how needs could be met. They saw language translation providers and Elder supports as important. Recommendations for improving travel were for medical taxis to include breaks so that passengers may alleviate any uncomfortable side effects of their cancer treatment. Further, Indigenous-specific accommodations were recommended for those requiring medical travel. These recommendations aligned with supports that are available in four other Canadian provinces. Conclusions These results identified gaps in supports and outlined recommendations to address barriers to cancer care from the perspectives of service ...