Top Poster! Approaches to Support Clinical Communication with Indigenous Patients in Canada (100)
Tracks
Track 2
| Monday, April 20, 2026 |
| 10:10 AM - 10:20 AM |
| 50 Sussex, Main Gallery |
Overview
Qurat Ul Ain Qureshi
Details
Top Poster Presentation
Speaker
Ms. Qurat Ul Ain Qureshi
Medical Student
University Of British Columbia, BC Cancer Agency
Approaches to Support Clinical Communication with Indigenous Patients in Canada
Abstract
Background:
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients often face barriers in accessing healthcare and report negative experiences within the healthcare system. Patient–provider communication is a key determinant of care quality and cultural safety. This review aimed to identify communication strategies used by healthcare providers that can strengthen clinical interactions and promote trust and understanding.
Methods:
We conducted a scoping review of studies published since 2015 describing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives on clinical communication in Canada. Data were extracted on verbal and non-verbal strategies, approaches to relationship-building, and use of language or interpreters. A thematic analysis was performed, and each study was assessed for Indigenous involvement in research.
Results:
Of 3,285 records screened, 105 were included. 21 papers did not specify Indigenous community involvement but supported findings from the studies that did. Four key themes were identified: (1) expressing empathy and acknowledging systemic challenges; (2) discussing traditional healing practices and holistic perspectives; (3) conducting history-taking in ways that respect autonomy and preferences; and (4) conveying medical information and collaborating with Indigenous interpreters. Across studies, active listening, openness, and patient-led dialogue were associated with more positive care experiences. A few population-specific guidelines were also identified (for example, questions that healthcare providers can ask to support shared decision-making with Inuit cancer patients).
Discussion:
This review highlights practical communication approaches that foster culturally safe, relational care. The findings contribute to ongoing conversations about decolonizing healthcare and advancing reconciliation by centering respect, reciprocity, and contextual understanding in clinical encounters.
First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients often face barriers in accessing healthcare and report negative experiences within the healthcare system. Patient–provider communication is a key determinant of care quality and cultural safety. This review aimed to identify communication strategies used by healthcare providers that can strengthen clinical interactions and promote trust and understanding.
Methods:
We conducted a scoping review of studies published since 2015 describing First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives on clinical communication in Canada. Data were extracted on verbal and non-verbal strategies, approaches to relationship-building, and use of language or interpreters. A thematic analysis was performed, and each study was assessed for Indigenous involvement in research.
Results:
Of 3,285 records screened, 105 were included. 21 papers did not specify Indigenous community involvement but supported findings from the studies that did. Four key themes were identified: (1) expressing empathy and acknowledging systemic challenges; (2) discussing traditional healing practices and holistic perspectives; (3) conducting history-taking in ways that respect autonomy and preferences; and (4) conveying medical information and collaborating with Indigenous interpreters. Across studies, active listening, openness, and patient-led dialogue were associated with more positive care experiences. A few population-specific guidelines were also identified (for example, questions that healthcare providers can ask to support shared decision-making with Inuit cancer patients).
Discussion:
This review highlights practical communication approaches that foster culturally safe, relational care. The findings contribute to ongoing conversations about decolonizing healthcare and advancing reconciliation by centering respect, reciprocity, and contextual understanding in clinical encounters.
Biography
Second year medical student interested in health communication and health systems research.
COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations
COI Disclosure: I do not have an affiliation (financial or otherwise) with any for-profit or not-for-profit organizations
