Indigenous patients in Canada's Alberta more likely to leave ER without treatment: Study

By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - Indigenous people in Canadian province of Alberta are more likely to leave emergency rooms at hospitals without completing treatment than non-Indigenous patients, according to a study released on Monday.

Shedding light on the challenges First Nations patients encounter in accessing emergency care, the new study by Canadian Medical Association Journal underscores the role of "systemic racism" in healthcare access.

The provincial data dating from April 2012 to March 2017 shows 6.8% of visit by First Nations patients "ended in the patient leaving without being seen or against medical advice, compared with 3.7% of visits by non–First Nations patients".

"We consider that systemic racism and inequity in health care contribute to this outcome, which is supported by our qualitative data," said the study.

Highlighting an alarming trend, the lead author of the study Patrick McLane of the University of Alberta said: "Qualitative results suggested discrimination and stereotyping as reasons why more First Nations patients leave without being seen or against medical advice.

"As leaving without being seen or against medical advice may delay needed care or interfere with continuity of care, providers and departments should work with local First Nations to develop and adopt strategies to retain First Nations patients in care," McLane emphasized.

The study also suggested that transportation availability, travel distance or availability of drivers for First Nations' medical transportation services are some of the factors "that may affect transit to and from emergency care for First Nations patients."

While the research was conducted in Alberta, its implications likely extend nationwide, shedding light on broader systemic issues affecting Indigenous communities' access to healthcare across Canada, according to McLane.