Question

A 35-year-old Cree woman tells you that during a previous hospital stay she experienced racist comments and felt her pain was dismissed. She is now reluctant to attend follow-up appointments. As a family physician practising in northern Canada, which response best reflects culturally safe care and the CanMEDS Communicator and Health Advocate roles?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge her experience of racism, apologise for the harm, ask what would help her feel safe in care and explore options such as involving Indigenous patient advocates or Elders

Answer

Explain that the staff were likely busy and did not mean to offend

Answer

Tell her that racism is not a problem in your hospital

Answer

Encourage her to focus on her health and not on past experiences

Answer

Suggest she seek care only in urban tertiary centres

Practice question