Grant: Project Gr- PA: Res. in human dev., child and/or youth health in Indigenous pops

Rationale In the United States, studies have shown widespread disparities in health care and outcomes related to Race, Ethnicity, Indigenous identity and Language preference (REIaL) in pediatric hospitals, yet little is known on the REIaL health inequities that exist among Canadian children admitted to the hospital and visiting the emergency department (ED). Data is not routinely collected in for research, leaving clinicians and researchers ill-equipped to address the racism and discrimination that certainly exists. Objectives 1) Co-develop with youth and parents of children cared for in the hospital and ED the REIaL data for Pediatric research (REIaL-P) approach, which will consist of a data collection tool and data governance framework. 2) Determine the association between REIaL of children, youth and families with outcomes, including: shared decision making, healthcare utilization, and adverse events. 3) Advance our understanding of how various REIaL backgrounds affect experiences of youth and parents with SDM. Methods We will partner with youth and families to co-design the REIaL-P approach with one Indigenous and one non-Indigenous Parent and Youth Advisory Boards (PaYAB). We will recruit children and families across 7 Canadian pediatric hospitals to determine the association between REIaL and outcomes. To gain a better understanding of our results, we will interview youth and parents of various REIaL backgrounds about their experiences shared decision making. The PaYAB will be involved in the interpretation and sharing of the results. Significance Findings will help inform health equity focused initiatives and research, and engage families to explore interventions aimed at addressing ReIaL health inequities in the pediatric hospital setting.