An exploration of Indigenous cultural safety within cancer care strategies in Canada
Abstract
Cultural safety is a vital continuum needed in biomedical healthcare to address historical and systemic inequities faced by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. Cultural safety seeks to create environments where people receiving care feel welcomed and respected, free from discrimination and cultural misunderstandings. This continuum is crucial for improving Indigenous health outcomes and building trust between healthcare providers and Indigenous communities. This research investigated how different regions in Canada, framed implementing cultural safety in healthcare environments by asking: How are provincial and territorial cancer care strategies proposing culturally safe care for Indigenous Peoples within healthcare facilities? Drawing on a qualitative approach, a thematic analysis is utilized, examining four provincial and one territorial cancer care strategy. Through a thematic analysis, key themes emerged related to culturally safe care principles, practices, and physical space design. The findings highlight the varying degrees of integration of Indigenous cultural safety principles across regions, with some strategies demonstrating comprehensive approaches to the key themes, while others show limited responses. This research underscores the importance of incorporating Indigenous voices, health perspectives, and Traditional Healing Practices into the development and implementation of cancer care strategies to ensure high-quality care for Indigenous individuals, families, and communities. Recommendations for researchers and policymakers include promoting culturally safe physical spaces and features for these populations.