How health leaders can help close the health gap for Indigenous people

OTTAWA | The poor quality and access to healthcare experienced by Indigenous people compared with other Canadians are well-known but remain stubbornly resistant to improvement.A new report from HealthCareCAN addresses these critical health issues and the role Canadian healthcare leaders can play in helping to close the health gap.The report, Bringing Reconciliation to Healthcare in Canada, carries the subtitle, Wise Practices for Healthcare Leaders. The term “wise practices” is used in Indigenous contexts to describe locally appropriate Indigenous actions that contribute to sustainable and equitable conditions.The wise practices outlined in the report relate to ways that healthcare leaders and organizations can address the health-related calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC).The report notes that although many stakeholders such as governments, health agencies, clinicians’ organizations, hospitals and health regions have already taken steps to address the TRC’s calls to action, there is still a need for transformative change at the system and organization levels to improve the health of Indigenous people in Canada.Identifying three interrelated areas of action—re-align authorities, accountabilities and resources; eliminate racism and increase cultural safety; and ensure equitable access to healthcare—the report makes 10 detailed recommendations for healthcare leaders to consider as wise practices.The publication of the report stems from concerns raised at the 2016 and 2017 National Health Leadership Conferences (NHLC), co-hosted by HealthCareCAN and the Canadian College of Health Leaders.At the 2016 conference, more than 700 health leaders discussed several priority policy issues as part of the Great Canadian Healthcare Debate. The resolution that won overwhelming support (73%) was to make implementation of the health-related TRC (TRC) recommendations the number one priority, not only for 2017 but until the recommendations are fully implemented.The 2017 NHLC featured a special plenary session at which participants heard from Indigenous health leaders and other key stakeholders about strategies and recommendations for healthcare leaders and organizations to help close the health gap.The report concludes, “Like all Canadians, healthcare leaders should begin by acknowledging the past and accepting the truth, followed by working collaboratively with their Indigenous partners to create meaningful change. Cultural competence is a lifelong journey and leaders need moral courage to influence positive, lasting health system transformation.“Leaders should actively engage in the reconciliation process by reaching out and building relationships with local Indigenous communities that can guide their direction and their progress. The answers lie in respectful relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities.”Read more about HealthCareCANat http://www.healthcarecan.ca/who-we-are/about-healthcarecan/

How health leaders can help close the health gap for Indigenous people

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