Enhancing existing community health capacity and infrastructure by focusing on the integration of Inuvialuit, Gwich’in, and Western Medicine approaches to Palliative Care

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: health, social sciences, traditional medicine, health care development, cultural relevance

Principal Investigator: Smith, Jane E (2)
Licence Number: 14621
Organization: BDHSSA
Licensed Year(s): 2009
Issued: Oct 06, 2009
Project Team: Crystal Lennie (advisor, IRC), BDHSSA Health Board members (advisor, each hamlet), GTC (partner, GTC), • Community Hamlet Councils (advisor, each hamlet),

Objective(s): To implement a program of culturally appropriate palliative care that meets the identified needs of each community and to assist each community to develop palliative care protocols appropriate for their community.

Project Description: The goals of this research are: 1. To implement a program of culturally appropriate palliative care that meets the identified needs of each community, 2. To develop culturally appropriate educational resources for clients and their families, communities, and health care workers, 3. To establish a resource of equipment that can be utilized throughout the region to assist those with home palliative care needs, 4. To assist each community to develop palliative care protocols appropriate for their community. This is a descriptive study using Qualitative Methods. Samples will be identified by the community and through referral from others. An interpreter will be used as needed; Interviews will be taped and translated for line by line ongoing analysis. A semi-structured questionnaire will be used and will be adjusted as information is analyzed. Participants will not be identified except on the consent form. Local involvement includes interpretive services, potential educational opportunities once the educational packages are developed. A copy of the educational material will be provided to participants. Presentations will be provided to each community in conjunction with the health board representative. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from March to December 31, 2009.