Grant: Project Grant

Indigenous persons with chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions (including, but not limited to, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, cirrhosis, metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, cholestatic liver disease) face healthcare challenges, including reduced access to adequate and timely healthcare. Documented inequities and narratives from Indigenous advocates highlight the need for innovative models of care that could improve access to gastroenterology care providers and improve Indigenous individuals' experiences within the healthcare system. Patient navigators have been identified as a helpful approach to reducing these disparities. In Saskatchewan, a peer patient navigator program will be implemented with individuals living with chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions to enhance their access to specialized care. Indigenous persons living with a chronic gastrointestinal or liver condition who are part of the research team agreed to be the peer navigators of this initiative to guide and support other individuals affected by these conditions. We will evaluate this peer patient navigator program using surveys, medical chart data, individual interviews, and a sharing circle. Furthermore, after completing the peer-patient interactions and integrating study data, we will collaboratively identify in a sharing circle further system changes needed to properly provide healthcare to Indigenous individuals with chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions and improve their well-being. The results of this study will be used to advocate for healthcare system changes and improve the well-being and health outcomes of Indigenous persons with chronic gastrointestinal and liver conditions.