Indigenous Patient Navigator Support for Chronic Diseases

(Wichitasowin Trial)

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Alberta

Disqualifiers: Non-Indigenous, Non-Maskwacis residents

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 5

20 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests an Indigenous Patient Navigator program designed to assist Indigenous youth with chronic health issues in Maskwacis, Alberta. The program aims to ease the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare by providing support in spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It connects participants with community Elders, locates healthcare services, and arranges mental health support. Ideal candidates are Indigenous youth aged 16-25 with a chronic health condition lasting at least three months who live in or are from Maskwacis. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of culturally sensitive healthcare solutions.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on support and transition rather than medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this Indigenous Patient Navigator Support is safe for Indigenous adolescents with chronic diseases?

Research shows that Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) programs are well-liked by communities. These programs help Indigenous patients, especially those with long-term health issues, access healthcare more effectively and improve their health. IPNs support patients in many ways—emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually. This comprehensive approach is crucial for meeting the specific needs of Indigenous patients.

Studies suggest that the bond between the navigator and the patient is vital for providing strong emotional support. The reviewed studies reported no negative effects, indicating that IPN programs are safe and well-accepted by participants. Evidence suggests these programs are a helpful addition to healthcare, aiding participants in managing their health conditions more effectively. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about Indigenous Patient Navigator Support because it offers a holistic approach to managing chronic diseases that goes beyond conventional medical treatments. Unlike standard care, which often focuses primarily on physical health, this method integrates spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional support tailored to Indigenous patients. This personalized and culturally-relevant support can help bridge gaps in healthcare access, enhance patient engagement, and improve overall health outcomes by connecting patients with community resources, cultural practices, and comprehensive care coordination.

What evidence suggests that the Indigenous Patient Navigator Support is effective for chronic diseases?

Research has shown that Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) programs can improve healthcare access and outcomes for Indigenous patients, particularly in managing long-term illnesses. In this trial, participants will work with an IPN for up to 18 months. The IPN connects patients with cultural and spiritual resources, assists with practical needs like finding doctors and housing, and offers emotional support. These programs have effectively helped Indigenous patients by building trust and understanding in healthcare settings. Additionally, patient navigation has increased health screening rates, which is important for early detection and management of chronic conditions. By focusing on overall support and advocacy, IPNs play a crucial role in enhancing the healthcare experience for Indigenous youth. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Indigenous adolescents with chronic health conditions in Maskwacis, Alberta. It's designed to help them as they become adults and switch from pediatric to adult healthcare services. Participants should be part of the community and interested in receiving support from an Indigenous Patient Navigator.

Inclusion Criteria

Residing in Maskwacis

Self-identified as an Indigenous person

I have a long-term health condition since childhood needing specialist care.

Exclusion Criteria

Not identifying as Indigenous

Not residing in Maskwacis

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Navigator Meeting

The IPN will schedule a face-to-face meeting with the participant to review their health condition and create an individual-centered transition plan.

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Navigator Support

Participants will work with the IPN for up to 18 months, receiving support in various aspects such as connecting with community supports, scheduling appointments, and promoting self-management skills.

18 months

Peer Support Sessions + Talking Circles

Peer support sessions held every 3 months to build community, reduce isolation, and empower participants, with cultural ceremonies and traditional teachings.

18 months

Every 3 months (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete a follow-up semi-structured interview to provide feedback on their experience with IPN support.

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person or virtual)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Indigenous Patient Navigator Support

Trial Overview The study tests a new program where an Indigenous Patient Navigator helps young adults manage their chronic diseases during their transition into adult healthcare. The effectiveness of this culturally tailored support will be evaluated.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Indigenous Patient Navigator Support Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will work with an Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) for up to 18 months. The IPN may have the following roles in supporting the youth +/- their caregiver in managing their healthcare and health condition: * Spiritual: connect with community Elders, connect with cultural programs, arrange smudging and ceremony * Physical: find housing, find a family doctor, arrange transportation, fill prescriptions, create a health passport * Mental: arrange health benefits, schedule appointments, find employment, connect to community services * Emotional: connect with peers, find mental health supports, support youth at appointments, communicate with youth's healthcare team

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Alberta

Lead Sponsor

Trials

957

Recruited

437,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9109580/

The Role of the Indigenous Patient Navigator: A Scoping Review Six IPN roles were identified including: (1) social service navigation, (2) wholistic support of Indigenous people, (3) advocacy/building capacity, (4) health ...

2. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-chronic-diseases-in-adolescence-5-2024-1d40b

Indigenous Patient Navigator Support for Chronic Diseases Research shows that Indigenous Patient Navigator programs can help improve access to healthcare and outcomes for Indigenous patients, particularly in cancer ...

3. liebertpub.com liebertpub.com/doi/10.1177/26892820251385777

Assessing the Impact of an Indigenous Palliative Care ... The patient-navigator relationship has been identified as a key factor in enabling navigators to provide effective emotional support, which ...

4. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/2830100

Effectiveness of Patient Navigation During Transition to ... Results suggest that the navigator intervention may not reduce emergency department visits in this population.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399116304839

The effectiveness of patient navigation to improve ... Patient navigation is an effective intervention to increase health screening rates. Both lay and professional patient navigators (eg, nurses) can be effective.

6. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1150221/full

Editorial: Indigenous knowledge and chronic disease ... Indigenous populations of North America face substantial health disparities, which have led to disproportionate rates of chronic diseases, compounded by ...

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9083425/

Culturally safe interventions in primary care for the ... Urban Indigenous people suffer from the lack of culturally appropriate services for management of chronic diseases and this leads to poor health ...