Abstract
Introduction: Studies have shown that First Nations patients have poorer health outcomes than non-First Nations patients. This has raised concerns that they receive unequal treatment from the health care system in general and the Emergency Department (ED) in particular. We sought to determine if there was such a difference and what it was so that it could be corrected. Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review to compare the care received by status First Nations and non-First Nations patients presenting to two hospital ED’s (Royal University Hospital and St. Paul’s Hospital) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with the chief complaint of abdominal pain and a Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) score of three. A total of 200 charts were reviewed (100 from each site and 100 from each group) by two medical students. One student was involved in blinding the charts; the other was responsible for analyzing the charts. Identifying information on the charts was redacted to blind the reviewer to the patient’s group during the chart review. Data extracted from each chart included time to doctor, time to analgesia given, length of stay, referral for consultation, blood work, imaging, bounce backs, reassessment, physical and history exam, and final disposition. This data will then be compared between the two population groups to find if there is equality in care given. Results: Data is currently being analyzed and will be available for presentation at CAEP 2016. Conclusion: The goal of our health care system is to provide the same level of excellent care to every patient that arrives in the ED. If care is not being provided equitably to First Nations patients this must be identified for it to be addressed. This study aimed to determine whether disparities in care exist. If they are found subsequent research could be done to determine why these differences exist while at the same time working to minimize and eliminate them for the benefit of First Nations patients.
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