Indigenous Support Services: A National Survey of Canadian Cardiac Centres.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has declined in Canada due to lifestyle improvements and medical advancements. However, Indigenous CVD morbidity and mortality rates have increased (1). Indigenous patient support services facilitate healthcare access and improve CVD management. We assessed whether services are being accessed appropriately by surveying physicians' self-reported experiences with their centre's Indigenous support services as outcomes. Evidently, Indigenous patient support services exist, but gaps in consistently accessing culturally specific services are evident. Recognition of protective factors such as culturally specific support services are crucial to address disparities and provide competent CVD care for Indigenous people in Canada (Supplementary Material 1).