Discoveries for life

Improving arthritis care in Indigenous communities

Dr. Cheryl Barnabe, MD, MSc, FRCPC
Director and Chair, McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health
Canada Research Chair, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases
Arthur J.E. Child Chair in Rheumatology Research
Professor, Departments of Medicine and Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary
Rheumatologist, Alberta Health Services

Inflammatory arthritis, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, disproportionately impact Indigenous communities in Canada because of limited access to high-quality health care services. To address these disparities, we are working closely with Indigenous communities and patients to create solutions that meet their needs.

A key outcome of this joint effort is the 'Arthritis Liaison' program. This initiative embeds a trusted community member in the health care team to help patients navigate the system and achieve personal health goals. The program also builds a strong network for peer support within the community.

As part of this program, we developed patient decision aids to facilitate shared decision-making between Indigenous patients and health care providers. These tools help Indigenous patients understand their arthritis treatment options, weighing risks and benefits of these treatments, and aligning treatment choices with their preferences, expectations, and values.

Further reading

• McCaig Institute website