Question

A 45-year-old Métis woman describes repeated experiences of being dismissed and stereotyped in emergency departments when seeking care for pain. She is reluctant to attend hospital despite significant symptoms. According to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and CanMEDS frameworks, what is the most appropriate immediate response by her family physician?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her experiences, apologise for the profession's role, explore the impact on her health, and work collaboratively on a culturally safe care plan

Answer

Explain that all patients are treated the same and move on to the medical issue

Answer

Advise her to avoid emergency departments altogether

Answer

Tell her that racism is unlikely in Canadian health care

Answer

Refer her directly to a complaints process without further discussion

Practice question