Indigenous and Disabled- vulnerable population

The National Collaborating Center for Determinants of Health (NCCDH) defines vulnerable population’s as “groups and communities at a higher risk for poor health as a result of the barriers they experience to social, economic, political and environmental resources, as well as limitations due to illness or disability (Glossary- Vulnerable populations, n.d. para. 1). The Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) fourth area of focus (along with sepsis, health services and mental health) is now vulnerable populations. Groups of patients are considered vulnerable have worse health outcomes than the general populations (Patrick, Flegel & Stanbrook, 2018). There are several groups which fall under vulnerable populations, this post will focus on 2 of these groups that I am in contact with working for AHS: Indigenous population and the Disabled.

Indigenous individuals include First Nations, Metis, and Inuit (Richmond & Cook, 2016). In a health survey conducted by the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) revealed that Indigenous populations reported poorer health than non-Indigenous population, partly explained by their higher rates of chronic conditions (Gionet & Roshanfshar, 2013). Accessible health care is required to service this population, which needs particular attention addressing their unique and cultural context and history (Richmond and Cook, 2016).

Alberta Health services has a mandatory learning series with include videos to help employee’s understand Indigenous people. This series has specific units on wellness, culture, and history of this population. Insight to their history and culture allows one to understand how Indigenous individuals may feel when contacting any health service. One particular lesson dealt with patient focused competent care surrounding relationship building. The acronym LEARN is used:

L-Listen with empathy to the problem.

E- Explain your perception of the problem.

A- Acknowledge and discuss differences and similarities.

R- Recommend an option.

N-Negotiate agreement.

By using this model, employees of Alberta Health Services will have a tool that will help with building trusting relationships.

Disabled individuals are another group which are considered vulnerable. This groups is of a personal interest, my adult son is severely disable, diagnosed with autism prior to his 3rd birthday. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines disability as a “umbrella term for impairments, activity limitations and participation restrictions (WHO, 2018, para. 1) As an adult, he faces many of the challenges belonging to a vulnerable group as defined by the NCCDH (Glossary- Vulnerable populations, n.d.). Disabled individuals are vulnerable to deficiencies in health care services (WHO, 2018).

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has a “Complex Service Needs Initiative” which is in partnership with the Government of Alberta and the Disability Services – Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD) Alberta Health Services, n.d., para. 1). Working together to aid adults with “intellectual/developmental disability and mental health concern/illness” who also have complex needs receive the needed care through an integrated and coordinated support system (Alberta Health Services, n.d., para.1).

Vulnerable groups continue to face challenges everyday. It will take considerable time to address all the issues faced by the groups discussed above. Some initial first steps have been made by AHS. The mandatory learning series on Indigenous populations is a start to understanding the unique needs of this vulnerable group. AHS with the Alberta Government Complex Service Needs Initiative helps support the needs of the disabled. Providing valuable insights to vulnerable groups gives healthcare providers the information needed to help guide these individuals through our very confusing and complex healthcare system.

References

Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Complex Service Needs Initiative. Retrieved July 7, 2019, from https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/page9213.aspxsite uses cookies and records your

Alberta Health Services. (n.d.). Indigenous Awareness and Sensitivity- Introduction. Retrieved July 7, 2019, from http://mylearninglink.albertahealthservices.ca/

Patrick, K., Flegel, K., & Stanbrook, M. B. (2018). Vulnerable populations: An area CMAJ will continue to champion. Canadian Medical Association Journal,190(11). doi:10.1503/cmaj.180288

Gionet, L., & Roshanafshar, S. (n.d.). Select health indicators of First Nations people living ... Retrieved July 7, 2019, from http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/statcan/82-624-x/82-624-x2013001-1-eng.pdf

Richmond, C. A., & Cook, C. (2016). Creating conditions for Canadian aboriginal health equity: The promise of healthy public policy. Public Health Reviews,37(1). doi:10.1186/s40985-016-0016-5

World Health Organization. (n.d.). Disability and health. Retrieved July 7, 2019, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/disability-and-health