Impact of a screen, triage and treat program for identifying chronic disease risk in Indigenous children

Indigenous data governance approaches applied in research using routinely collected health data: a scoping review

Globally, there is a growing acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples' rights to control data related to their communities. This is seen in the development of Indigenous Data Governance standards. As health data collection increases, it's crucial to apply these standards in research involving Indigenous communities. Our study, therefore, aims to systematically review research using routinely collected health data of Indigenous Peoples, understanding the Indigenous Data Governance approaches and the associated advantages and challenges. We searched electronic databases for studies from 2013 to 2022, resulting in 85 selected articles. Of these, 65 (77%) involved Indigenous Peoples in the research, and 60 (71%) were authored by Indigenous individuals or organisations. While most studies (93%) provided ethical approval details, only 18 (21%) described Indigenous guiding principles, 35 (41%) reported on data sovereignty, and 28 (33%) addressed consent. This highlights the increasing focus on Indigenous Data Governance in utilising health data. Leveraging existing data sources in line with Indigenous data governance principles is vital for better understanding Indigenous health outcomes.

Wellness Wheel Clinics: A First Nation community-partnered care model improving healthcare access, from healthcare providers' perspectives

First Nation people residing in rural and remote communities have limited primary healthcare access, which often affects chronic disease management leading to poor health outcomes. Individuals with lived experiences of chronic disease and substance use, along with health directors, advocated for improved services. Subsequently, an urban healthcare team in partnership with four First Nation communities developed an Outreach clinic to address healthcare access barriers. Established in 2016, this community-led clinic improves primary care access and chronic disease management in First Nation communities. Employing a qualitative research design, interviews were conducted with 15 clinic providers and 9 community members to explore the clinic's 1-year post-implementation impacts. Thematic data analysis indicated that engagement and approval by community leadership, support from Elders and community members and collaboration with existing community healthcare staff were crucial for establishing the Outreach clinic. Initial logistical challenges with space allocation, equipment, medical supplies, funding, staffing, medical records and appointment scheduling were resolved through community consultation and creative solutions. A nurse coordinator ensured continuity of care and was integral to ensuring clients receive seamless care. The commitment of the outreach team and the collective goal of providing client-centered care were instrumental in the clinic's success. In partnership with communities, access to healthcare in First Nation communities can be enhanced by coordinating Outreach clinics through existing community healthcare facilities.

Kidney Health of Indigenous Children: Insights from Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Canada

Purpose of Review

This review seeks to highlight the common and unique factors that impact the kidney health of Indigenous children in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Canada with a particular interest on efforts to improve their kidney health outcomes and the framework to pursue future efforts.

Recent Findings

In the period since the adoption of the United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People (UNDRIP) there has been a number of studies documenting poorer renal health outcomes and potential causes amongst Indigenous paediatric populations in Australia, Aotearoa New Zealand, and Canada. There is a shortage of studies that look at interventions to improve these outcomes.

Summary

Poorer kidney health outcomes amongst Indigenous children are rarely genetic and appear to be more related to societal inequities. Reported efforts to improve outcomes are few but have demonstrated the ability to make change and with sustained focus on reducing inequities there is hope to improve the renal health of Indigenous children.