Instructions
It’s a total of 6 pages reflection that identifies one of the Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada and how it will impact your care of indigenous patients?
*4 pages in length without title page and reference page. (total of 6 pages)
Reflection should be evidenced using 3 resources from scholarly peer reviewed journals, textbooks & evidenced informed websites.
Reflection should address :
. What is the meaning and intent of one of the TRCC health related Calls to Action (#18-24)?
. How will you as a future nurse uphold the selected Call to Action?
. How will this impact your care of indigenous patients?
Use 3 evidenced based scholarly peer reviewed journals, textbooks & evidenced informed websites. These resources should be cited in your text and listed in APA format in your reference page.
Kindly use APA formatting for citations and reference page.
Title: Reflection on the TRCC’s Health-Related Call to Action and Its Impact on Indigenous Patient Care
Introduction
The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRCC) issued 94 Calls to Action to address the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. Calls to Action #18-24 focus on health. This reflection will explore Call to Action #22, which emphasizes the value of integrating Indigenous healing practices into healthcare services. The reflection will address the meaning and intent of this call, its implications for my future nursing practice, and the anticipated impact on the care of Indigenous patients.
Meaning and Intent of Call to Action #22
Call to Action #22 reads: “We call upon those who can effect change within the Canadian healthcare system to recognize the value of Aboriginal healing practices and use them in the treatment of Aboriginal patients in collaboration with Aboriginal healers and Elders where requested by Aboriginal patients” (Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015). This call emphasizes the importance of respecting and integrating Indigenous healing practices into mainstream healthcare. It acknowledges that Indigenous people have rich traditions of medicine and healing that can complement Western medical practices.
The intent of this call is to promote a holistic approach to healthcare that respects and incorporates the cultural practices of Indigenous peoples. By doing so, it aims to improve health outcomes for Indigenous patients and ensure that their cultural and spiritual needs are met within the healthcare system. This approach aligns with the broader goals of reconciliation by fostering mutual respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous healthcare providers and patients.
Upholding Call to Action #22 as a Future Nurse
As a future nurse, upholding Call to Action #22 will involve several key actions:
- Cultural Competency Training: I will pursue continuous education on Indigenous cultures, health practices, and the historical context of their interactions with the healthcare system. Understanding the background and significance of traditional healing practices is crucial for respectful and effective integration.
- Building Relationships with Indigenous Healers: Establishing collaborative relationships with Indigenous healers and Elders will be essential. This includes recognizing their expertise and working together to provide comprehensive care that respects the wishes of Indigenous patients.
- Patient-Centered Care: I will prioritize the preferences and needs of Indigenous patients, ensuring that they have the option to incorporate traditional healing practices into their care plans. This involves active listening, empathy, and a willingness to learn from the patients and their communities.
- Advocacy and Policy Change: I will advocate for policies within healthcare institutions that support the integration of Indigenous healing practices. This includes ensuring that healthcare environments are welcoming and accommodating to Indigenous healers and that necessary resources are available.
- Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication with both Indigenous patients and healers will be crucial. This involves being open to different perspectives and finding ways to harmonize traditional practices with conventional medical treatments.
Impact on Care of Indigenous Patients
Upholding Call to Action #22 will significantly impact my care for Indigenous patients in several positive ways:
- Enhanced Trust and Rapport: By respecting and integrating traditional healing practices, I can build stronger relationships with Indigenous patients. This trust is vital for effective healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction.
- Improved Health Outcomes: Integrating traditional practices can lead to more holistic care that addresses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This comprehensive approach can improve overall health outcomes for Indigenous patients.
- Cultural Safety: Creating a culturally safe healthcare environment where Indigenous patients feel respected and understood can reduce the feelings of alienation and discrimination that many Indigenous people experience in the healthcare system.
- Empowerment and Autonomy: Allowing Indigenous patients to incorporate their healing practices empowers them to take an active role in their health and well-being. This respect for their autonomy can lead to increased engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
- Reduction of Health Disparities: Addressing the unique cultural needs of Indigenous patients can help reduce health disparities. Providing culturally competent care can lead to earlier interventions, better management of chronic conditions, and overall improved health equity.
Conclusion
Call to Action #22 from the TRCC emphasizes the integration of Indigenous healing practices into the Canadian healthcare system. As a future nurse, I am committed to upholding this call by pursuing cultural competency, building relationships with Indigenous healers, providing patient-centered care, advocating for policy changes, and fostering effective communication. These efforts will enhance trust, improve health outcomes, create culturally safe environments, empower Indigenous patients, and contribute to reducing health disparities. By honoring and integrating traditional healing practices, I can contribute to the broader goals of reconciliation and provide holistic, respectful care to Indigenous patients.
References
Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada. (2015). Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. https://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Final%20Reports/Executive_Summary_English_Web.pdf
[Include additional scholarly peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and evidence-informed websites here, formatted in APA style.]