Thesis Defence: The Integration of the Indigenous Patient Navigator in British Columbia’s Health Systems: A Systematic Equity Action-Analysis

Amber Mercedes Froste, supervised by Dr. Katrina Plamondon, will defend their thesis titled “The Integration of the Indigenous Patient Navigator in British Columbia’s Health Systems: A Systematic Equity Action-Analysis” in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Nursing.

An abstract for Amber Mercedes Froste’s thesis is included below.

Defences are open to all members of the campus community as well as the general public. Registration is not required for in-person defences.

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Abstract

This research examines the integration of the Indigenous Patient Navigator (IPN) role within British Columbia’s health systems, with a focus on Interior and Northern Health, guided by the Systematic Equity Action-Analysis framework. The study critically examines how integrating the IPN role aligns with organizational equity goals and, more broadly, explores how health systems can better advance equity in integrating Indigenous healthcare roles. The study highlights ways to better align the IPN role integration process with broader organizational equity objectives. The research employs a theoretical framework that grounds a systematic equity analysis in a philosophy where integrating Indigenous knowledge with critical Western frameworks can challenge dominant worldviews and advance equity. This approach deepens the understanding of the research by highlighting the presence of both perspectives to gain a deeper understanding of equity and how to integrate Indigenous healthcare roles effectively. The study analyzes the role integration of IPN using document analysis, situated within an exploratory literature review. It aims to systematically explore coherence between stated intentions and the operationalization of role integration, with attention to factors that facilitate or challenge coherence. By examining how Interior and Northern Health operationalizes equity goals through the integration of the IPN role, this research will generate actionable recommendations to enhance IPN role integration, demonstrating the health system’s prioritized efforts to advance equity. Overall, this work will contribute to the broader understanding of how health systems can support reconciliation and advance equitable processes and practices that support health initiatives, such as integrating Indigenous healthcare roles that improve health outcomes for Indigenous populations.