Development and Implementation of Aboriginal Health Literacy Resources to Improve Hepatitis C Care and Support Purpose:
Gail Butt1, Liza McGuinness1, Marina Kazulin2, Sarah Lawson2 & Lilija Berngards2 1Clinical Prevention Services (Hepatitis), BC Centre for Disease Control; 2UBC School of Nursing
This national project developed resources to help Aboriginal people with hepatitis C learn effective ways to identify and discuss their needs, navigate health and social care systems and improve selfcare.
2) Developed an audio resource and other accessory learning materials for those with special learning needs
Project reached approximately 1,700 people
The materials support:
Member agencies of the network include: Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada; Aboriginal Health, BC Ministry of Health Living and Sport; Canadian Aboriginal AIDS Network; MĂŠtis Nation BC; ASK Wellness; Red Road HIV/AIDS Network; Ontario Aboriginal HIV/AIDS Strategy; All Nations Hope AIDS Network; Chee Mamuk; Interior Indian Friendship Society
Health system navigation Problem solving Identification of resources
Methods:
A participatory approach was used to identify needs, inform project processes and ensure the expertise of those affected was incorporated in the resources developed. Aboriginal people living with hepatitis C and care providers participated as: Advisory committee members Content reviewers Event organizers Resource distributors
Results:
1) Developed, evaluated and disseminated selflearning booklets with Aboriginal people and organizations concerned with hepatitis C
4) Developed a national partner network of Aboriginal people affected by hepatitis C and their service providers.
5) Evaluation indicates materials are being distributed widely and used by people with other chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS. 3) Explored the potential to develop resources for Inuit audiences with Inuit organizations and UBC School of Nursing students (see poster below)
Over 2,000 handbooks, 2,255 tip cards, 500 bill-of-rights posters, 500 MP3 players and 178 CDs were distributed at 32 events
Discussion:
The use of self-learning materials by people and communities affected by hepatitis C and other chronic illnesses shows that collaborative approaches involving those affected and providers can work. Proactive approaches and multiple communication options are required for collaboration.
Funded by the Hepatitis C Prevention, Support and Research Program, Public Health Agency of Canada