Identifying the needs of Innu and Inuit patients in urban health settings in Newfoundland and Labrador.

BACKGROUND

Labrador's Innu and Inuit live in nine small, isolated villages, and must travel to the urban centres of Goose Bay, Labrador and/or St. John's, Newfoundland for most health services. This study responds to anecdotal evidence of Aboriginal dissatisfaction with these services from the St. John's Native Friendship Centre Association (SJNFCA); it describes Aboriginal experiences and identifies relevant needs.

METHODS

The study consisted of qualitative interviews (N = 143), conducted by trained local researchers, and nine focus groups. The interviews were narrative-based, appropriate to the Aboriginal culture of participants. Participants were recruited from the client list of the SJNFCA.

FINDINGS

Almost all study participants experience significant difficulties including profound disorientation, language and communication difficulties, inadequate accommodations, and altered diets. Cross-cultural relations are particularly problematic for the Innu.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings, and 19 recommendations made to the provincial government (8 main recommendations appear in Table II), could lead to improved services for Innu and Inuit using urban health services. Workshops in development could mean more awareness among health care practitioners.