Wichitasowin: Indigenous Patient Navigator for Young Adults Study

The objective of this pathway is to establish and evaluate a novel Indigenous-led patient navigator (IPN) program for Indigenous adolescents living with chronic health conditions in Maskwacis, Alberta. Over the last three years a community-based participatory research partnership was developed with Elders and community members from Maskwacis, Maskwacis Health Services, and researchers from the University of Alberta. Previous research identified the need for an IPN to support Indigenous young adults and their caregivers in managing their health conditions transitioning into adulthood and transferring from pediatric to adult healthcare. The aim of partnership now is to evaluate whether a community-derived IPN program co-designed with an established group of Maskwacis Elders, Knowledge Keepers, healthcare providers, caregivers and youth with lived experience can aid in improving the experience of transitioning into adult healthcare services for Indigenous youth and their families living in Maskwacis, Alberta.

Inclusion Criteria: * age 16-25 years; * having chronic health condition of at least 3 months' duration that requires adult specialty follow-up care, including physical conditions (e.g., diabetes), mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression), and/or developmental disorders (e.g., autism, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder); * residing in Maskwacis or from the communities of Maskwacis but currently residing elsewhere; * self-identified as an Indigenous person; * reading level ≥ grade 6. For participants with developmental or intellectual delay (\< grade 6 reading level), they may take part in the program alongside their caregiver(s). Exclusion Criteria: * not identifying as Indigenous * not residing in Maskwacis