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Lavoie JG, Clark W, McDonnell L, Nickel N, Dutton R, Kanayok J, Fowler-Woods M, Anawak J, Brown N, Voisey Clark G, Evaluardjuk-Palmer T, Wong ST, Sanguins J, Mudryj A, Mullins N, Ford M, Clark J. Mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Inuit living in Manitoba: community responses. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2259135. [PMID: 37752773 PMCID: PMC10538448 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2259135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We document community responses to the COVID-19 pandemic among Inuit living in the province of Manitoba, Canada. This study was conducted by the Manitoba Inuit Association and a Council of Inuit Elders, in partnership with researchers from the University of Manitoba. We present findings from 12 health services providers and decision-makers, collected in 2021.Although Public Health orders led to the closure of the Manitoba Inuit Association's doors to community events and drop-in activities, it also created opportunities for the creation of programming and events delivered virtually and through outreach. The pandemic exacerbated pre-existing health and social system's shortcomings (limited access to safe housing, food insecurity) and trauma-related tensions within the community. The Manitoba Inuit Association achieved unprecedented visibility with the provincial government, receiving bi-weekly reports of COVID-19 testing, results and vaccination rates for Inuit. We conclude that after over a decade of advocacy received with at best tepid enthusiasm by federal and provincial governments, the Manitoba Inuit Association was able effectively advocate for Inuit-centric programming, and respond to Inuit community's needs, bringing visibility to a community that had until then been largely invisible. Still, many programs have been fueled with COVID-19 funding, raising the issue of sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josée G. Lavoie
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute for Health and Healing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Wayne Clark
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Leah McDonnell
- Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute for Health and Healing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nathan Nickel
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Rachel Dutton
- Manitoba Inuit Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Janet Kanayok
- Manitoba Inuit Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Melinda Fowler-Woods
- Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Jack Anawak
- Isumataq Sivuliuqti, Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Study, Canada
| | - Nuqaalaq Brown
- Isumataq Sivuliuqti, Qanuinngitsiarutiksait Study, Canada
| | | | | | - sabrina T. Wong
- National Institute of Nursing Research, Division of Intramural Research, Bethesda, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Adriana Mudryj
- Ongomiizwin Indigenous Institute for Health and Healing, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | | | - Marti Ford
- Manitoba Inuit Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Judy Clark
- Manitoba Inuit Association, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Huang WQ(M, Gifford W, Phillips JC, Coburn V. Examining structural factors influencing cancer care experienced by Inuit in Canada: a scoping review. Int J Circumpolar Health 2023; 82:2253604. [PMID: 37677103 PMCID: PMC10486290 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2023.2253604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Inuit face worse cancer survival rates and outcomes than the general Canadian population. Persistent health disparities cannot be understood without examining the structural factors that create inequities and continue to impact the health and well-being of Inuit. This scoping review aims to synthesise the available published and grey literature on the structural factors that influence cancer care experienced by Inuit in Canada. Guided by Inuit input from Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada as well as the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology, a comprehensive electronic search along with hand-searching of grey literature and relevant journals was conducted. A total of 30 papers were included for analysis and assessment of relevance. Findings were organised into five categories as defined in the a priori framework related to colonisation, as well as health systems, social, economic, and political structures. The study results highlight interconnections between racism and colonialism, the lack of health service information on urban Inuit, as well as the need for system-wide efforts to address the structural barriers in cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Gifford
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Veldon Coburn
- School of Political Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Enuaraq S, Gifford W, Ashton S, Al Awar Z, Larocque C, Rolfe D. Understanding culturally safe cancer survivorship care with inuit in an urban community. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 80:1949843. [PMID: 34219604 PMCID: PMC8259824 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2021.1949843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death among Inuit. A legacy of colonialism, residential schools, and systemic racism has eroded trust among Inuit and many do not receive culturally safe care. This study aimed to explore the meaning of culturally safe cancer survivorship care for Inuit, and barriers and facilitators to receiving it in an urban setting in Ontario Canada. As Inuit and Western researchers, we conducted a descriptive qualitative study. We held two focus groups (n = 27) with cancer survivors and family members, and semi-structured interviews (n = 7) with health providers. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis.Three broad themes emerged as central to culturally safe care: access to traditional ways of life, communication, and family involvement. Family support, patient navigators, and designated spaces were facilitators; lack of support for traditional ways, like country food, was a barrier. Participants were clear what constituted culturally safe care, but major barriers exist. Lack of direction at institutional and governmental levels contributes to the complexity of issues that prevent Inuit from engaging in and receiving culturally safe cancer care. To understand how to transform healthcare to be culturally safe, studies underpinned by Inuit epistemology, values, and principles are required.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy Gifford
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Zeina Al Awar
- School of Nursing, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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Galloway T, Horlick S, Cherba M, Cole M, Woodgate RL, Healey Akearok G. Perspectives of Nunavut patients and families on their cancer and end of life care experiences. Int J Circumpolar Health 2021; 79:1766319. [PMID: 32449489 PMCID: PMC7448904 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2020.1766319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study arose from a recognition among service providers that Nunavut patients and families could be better supported during their care journeys by improved understanding of people's experiences of the health-care system. Using a summative approach to content analysis informed by the Piliriqatigiinniq Model for Community Health Research, we conducted in-depth interviews with 10 patients and family members living in Nunavut communities who experienced cancer or end of life care. Results included the following themes: difficulties associated with extensive medical travel; preference for care within the community and for family involvement in care; challenges with communication; challenges with culturally appropriate care; and the value of service providers with strong ties to the community. These themes emphasise the importance of health service capacity building in Nunavut with emphasis on Inuit language and cultural knowledge. They also underscore efforts to improve the quality and consistency of communication among health service providers working in both community and southern referral settings and between service providers and the patients and families they serve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracey Galloway
- Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto Mississauga , Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Maria Cherba
- Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre , Iqaluit, Canada
| | | | - Roberta L Woodgate
- Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, College of Nursing, University of Manitoba , Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Gwen Healey Akearok
- Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre , Iqaluit, Canada.,Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Laurentian University , Sudbury, Canada
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Dennis K, Harris G, Kamel R, Barnes T, Balboni T, Fenton P, Rembielak A. Rapid Access Palliative Radiotherapy Programmes. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2020; 32:704-712. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2020.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Vulpe H, Pereira IJ, Bourque JM, Huang F, Adleman J, Rodin D, Kuk J, Goulart J, Chan J, Wakefield D, Hanna TP. Impact of a global radiation oncology scholarship for trainees: An evaluation of early outcomes. Radiother Oncol 2020; 151:106-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2020.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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