Undergraduate Nursing Student Reflections on Indigenous Peoples’ Experiences With the Canadian Health Care System

AIM 

The aim of this study was to analyze nursing student level of knowledge and understanding of current experiences of Indigenous people within the Canadian health care system to identify curricular gaps that need to be addressed.

BACKGROUND 

In response to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, nursing schools have begun incorporating Indigenous health content into curricula. However, few studies about the implementation and effectiveness of this education exist.

METHOD 

Students wrote a reflection and engaged with colleagues’ reflections after watching a video from the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Fifteen reflections were selected using systematic, random sampling to undergo thematic analysis.

RESULTS 

Two themes were identified: 1) students’ understanding of barriers Indigenous populations face when accessing the health care system and 2) students’ perceptions of strategies to ensure culturally safe care for Indigenous populations.

CONCLUSION 

Analysis of students’ learning through a reflection activity can improve the Indigenous health content curriculum.