Strategic Priority 5: Palliative and End-of-Life Care
Regional Indigenous Cancer Plan Priorities and Actions
- Identify opportunities to promote services of Indigenous Navigator within SW RCP (cancer centre and partner hospitals), Ontario Health West and FNIMuI communities
- Continue to work with and build supportive relationships with patients and families and help FNIMuI patients navigate the cancer system
- Promote and facilitate access to culturally-safe and culturally sensitive care on- and off-site (e.g., referrals to Indigenous Palliative Care Outreach Team)
- To advocate for culturally safe palliative care
- Promote the use of assessment tools and appropriate interventions for FNIMuI cancer patients (e.g., Edmonton Symptom Assessment System)
- Disseminate “Tools for the Journey” educational materials for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people with cancer and their families
- Support the needs of patients travelling within the region (i.e., NIHB program) as well identifying networks of support (referrals to other navigators) for those travelling from the South West to other regions
Anticipated Benefits to Indigenous Communities
- Improved understanding of regional Indigenous palliative care needs
- Enhanced support frameworks for Indigenous patients and their families, including spiritual care and social work
