Grant: Operating Grant: Transitions in Care - Evaluation Grants

Cancer mortality in Canada is higher among First Nations people than the general population. Historical trauma from colonization and residential schools has negatively influenced First Nations people's trust in western health care, and these post-colonial relations continues to disadvantage First Nations people from engaging in transitions-in-care (TiC) services for cancer. From diagnosis onwards, cancer care TiC strategies do not reflect First Nations people's cultural values and practices or build upon communities' strengths. Building on our existing partnership with Pikwàkanagàn First Nations, an Algonquin community in Ontario, the overall purpose of this study is to implement and evaluate a TiC strategy that has been adapted to be culturally relevant for First Nations people who have experienced cancer. We will first collaboratively determine a TiC strategy for system navigation with a community Advisory Group, and adapt it to be culturally relevant to First Nations people who have experienced cancer. Working in full partnership with First Nations partners will ensure the adapted TiC strategy is culturally relevant. We will then co-design an evaluation framework and implement the strategy with Pikwàkanagàn First Nations Health Services and Family Health Team for 6 months. We will evaluate outcomes that include: feasibility and costs of integrating the strategy into health services; acceptability, use and influence of the strategy on system navigation; and the process of adapting the TiC strategy to be culturally relevant. Data will be collected through a process log, administrative health services databases, focus groups and interviews. This research is urgently required given the high cancer rates among First Nations people and the lack of culturally responsive healthcare services that build on First Nations peoples' strengths to meaningfully address TiC cancer care needs.