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"Interactions Between Indigenous Women Awaiting Childbirth Away From Home
and Their Southern, Non-Indigenous Health Care Providers"
The above-mentioned research project is the one conducted from an Indigenous
worldview, in collaboration with Indigenous communities. This analysis will examine the key
components of the research method, ethical considerations, research protocols, beneficiaries,
research question, and shows the planning and designing of a similar research model.
Research Method from Indigenous Worldview
An Indigenous worldview in research shows respect, reciprocity, relevance, and
responsibility towards the Indigenous communities involved. The research method in the
mentioned project aligns with these principles by adopting a participatory research approach. A
committee consisting of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives was established to
guide all stages of the research. This committee played a significant role in reviewing and
approving interview guides, interpreting findings, and disseminating research results to ensure
that the research process and outcomes were relevant and respectful to the Indigenous
communities.
The qualitative research design provides a platform for an in-depth exploration of the
experiences of Indigenous women and healthcare providers. Semi-structured in-depth
interviews with First Nations and Inuit patients as well as with non-Indigenous healthcare
providers help the voices and stories of Indigenous women to be heard, respected, and
considered in a meaningful way. The researchers were very careful of ethical considerations,
ensuring that the research was reviewed and approved by relevant ethical boards and
Indigenous governmental organizations to protect the wellbeing of all of the participants.
THI LO NGUYEN - RESEARCH METHODS WITH INDIGENOUS PEOPLES
Beneficiaries of the Research Project
This research project is an opportunity for Indigenous women to share their experiences,
difficulties and interactions with healthcare providers during one of their most important
periods in their lives of childbirth away from their home land in the north area. With these
narratives, the research not only testifies their experiences but also sheds light on the systemic
issues such as stereotypes and bureaucratic constrains that impact their healthcare experiences.
Accordingly, changes and improvements in healthcare practices may be made to bring the best
to Indigenous women.
In addition, the data derived from interviews can improve the training and development
of healthcare professionals. Being well aware of the stress factors and communication barriers
by Indigenous women helps healthcare providers to reflect on and improve their working
practices.
The research is also useful for academic and policy discussions, particularly in the
context of childbirth evacuation. Accordingly, policy adjustments and interventions aimed at
mitigating the challenges faced by Indigenous women might be made based on the research
findings.
Furthermore, by highlighting the disparities and challenges in the healthcare experiences
of Indigenous women, the research fosters a broader societal understanding and awareness.
This can potentially influence public opinions and advocate for a more equitable healthcare
system that respects Indigenous cultures and experiences.
Components of the Research Project
The following components contribute to this research’s depth and comprehensiveness.
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1. Research Design and Methodology
The research employs a qualitative design, involving semi-structured in-depth interviews
to explore the experiences and interactions of Indigenous women and healthcare providers. An
advisory committee, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives, guided the
research, ensuring the research process and outcomes were culturally relevant.
2. Ethical Considerations and Implications of the Research Project
The research project focuses on the sensitive experiences of Indigenous women,
specifically those from Inuit and First Nations communities who need childbirth evacuation.
Engaging with such a vulnerable and culturally distinct population require a respectful
approach to ethical considerations, which is evident in various angles of the project.
Ethical Approaches in Research Design
The research employs a qualitative design with semi-structured in-depth interviews. A
participatory research approach is adopted, involving an advisory committee that includes both
Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives from various sectors, ensuring the research
process and outcomes are culturally relevant (Vang et al., p. 3). This committee played a vital
role in reviewing and approving interview guides, interpreting findings, and disseminating
study results, thereby ensuring that the research was not only ethically sound but also culturally
sensitive and relevant.
In addition, protecting the identity and ensuring the confidentiality of participants was a
significant ethical consideration. The research followed ethical guidelines, obtaining approval
from the McGill University Health Centre Research Ethics Board and Indigenous governmental
organizations. Pseudonyms and altered characteristics are used to protect participants’
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identities, ensuring confidentiality and anonymity (Vang et al., p. 5). This approach not only
adheres to ethical research practices but also respects the participants' privacy and cultural
sensitivities.
The research acknowledges the historical and cultural differences between Inuit and First
Nations peoples and recognizes the distinct access to maternity care in northern Quebec. It also
explores the historical context of childbirth evacuation and its implications on Indigenous
women and communities. The researchers were mindful of their outsider statuses and
considered how this might influence participants’ willingness to disclose information (Vang et
al., p. 5). This self-awareness and acknowledgment of potential power dynamics are crucial in
maintaining an ethical and respectful relationship with the participants.
Implications of Ethical Considerations
The ethical considerations extend beyond the research process and into the implications
of the findings. The research highlights significant themes related to evacuation-related stress,
hospital bureaucracy, and stereotypes, which have profound implications for policy and
practice. The findings highlight the need for further training and development of medical
professionals in delivering their safe healthcare services and addressing bureaucratic constraints
in the healthcare system to improve patient–provider communication and overall relationship
quality (Vang et al., p. 1).
3. Participants and Data Collection
The research involved 25 Inuit and First Nations women and eight healthcare providers,
offering a wide variety of perspectives. The interviews, lasting from 17 to 56 minutes, provided
detailed insights into the experiences and interactions of the participants.
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4. Themes and Analysis
The research explores the stress related to childbirth evacuation, looking into the
emotional and psychological impacts on Indigenous women. It also examines the bureaucratic
constrains within the healthcare system that affect patient-provider interactions. Additionally,
the research explores the stereotypes encountered by Indigenous women and how they impact
their healthcare experiences.
5. Historical and Cultural Context
The research acknowledges the historical and cultural differences between Inuit and First
Nations peoples and recognizes the distinct access to maternity care in northern Quebec. It also
explores the historical context of childbirth evacuation and its implications on Indigenous
women and communities.
6. Findings and Implications
The findings highlight the significance of healthcare providers’ ability to connect with
Indigenous patients and guide cultural and institutional barriers. The research emphasizes the
need for further training of medical professionals. The research not only contributes to
academic knowledge but also has the potential to inform policy adjustments and interventions
aimed at improving healthcare experiences for Indigenous women.
Protocols used in the research
In this research, several protocols were followed to guarantee ethical and culturally
sensitive research practices. The research was reviewed and approved by the McGill University
Health Centre Research Ethics Board and Indigenous governmental organizations, ensuring the
ethical integrity of the research (Vang et al., p. 5). A commitment to participant confidentiality
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and anonymity was obvious, utilizing pseudonyms and altering participant characteristics to
protect identities (Vang et al., p. 5). Additionally, the researchers demonstrated cultural
sensitivity and respect by being mindful of their outsider statuses and employing an Indigenous
professional interpreter or a family member for participants not fluent in English (Vang et al.,
p. 6). A participatory research approach was also implemented, involving an advisory
committee of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous representatives from various sectors,
ensuring the research process and outcomes were relevant (Vang et al., p. 3). These protocols,
among others, indicated a commitment to ethical and respectful research practices which is
considered crucial in research involving Indigenous communities.
The research question
Although it is not clearly stated in the research, it can be inferred that the research
question might be "How do evacuation-related stress, hospital bureaucracy, and stereotypes
impact the quality of patient-provider interactions and communication between Indigenous
childbirth evacuees and their non-Indigenous healthcare providers in southern regions?"
Planning and designing a similar research model
Given this research project, I will plan and design my own research model as follows:
1. Research Question Formulation: “How does the healthcare providers' understanding
of Indigenous history and culture influence their communication and interaction with
Indigenous patients?”
2. Literature Review: I will investigate previous studies on patient-provider interactions,
particularly focusing on Indigenous populations and their experiences with healthcare systems.
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3. Theoretical Framework: I will choose a theoretical framework that encompasses
cultural competence and communication theories to understand the dynamics of power,
communication, and cultural nuances in patient-provider interactions.
4. Methodology:
Research Design: A mixed-methods approach could be beneficial to capture both
quantitative and qualitative data.
Population: Indigenous women who have experienced childbirth evacuation and
healthcare providers who have interacted with Indigenous patients.
Sampling: Apply a rational sampling strategy to ensure the sample includes participants
who have experienced the phenomena being studied.
Data Collection:
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Qualitative: conduct in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.
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Quantitative: use surveys to collect large-scale data on experiences and perceptions of
patient-provider interactions.
Data Analysis:
- Qualitative: employ thematic analysis to explore patterns and themes in the qualitative
data.
- Quantitative: employ statistical analysis to understand the prevalence, correlations, and
patterns in the quantitative data.
5. Ethical Considerations: I will ensure that participants give out their consents and
enjoy the confidentiality and the right to withdraw from the research at any point. I will also be
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mindful and respectful of Indigenous cultures and traditions, ensuring that the research is
conducted in a culturally sensitive and ethical manner.
6. Inclusion of Indigenous Voices: I will involve Indigenous communities and
individuals in the research process, possibly through an advisory committee, to ensure that the
research is culturally relevant, respectful, and accurate. Findings will be communicated back to
the Indigenous communities involved in a respectful and accessible manner.
7. Data Validation: Strategies like member checking and peer debriefing will be used to
ensure the validity and reliability of the findings.
8. Dissemination of Findings: The research findings will be shared through academic
publications, conferences, and community forums.
9. Implications and Evaluation for Future Research: In this part, I will discuss the
implications of the findings for healthcare practice, policy, and education. Suggestions will also
be made for future research.