Integrated care with indigenous populations in North America
Citation: Lewis ME, Myhra LL. Integrated care with indigenous populations: a systematic review of the literature. American Indian and Alaska Native Mental Health Research 2017; 24: 88–110
What is this? The COVID-19 pandemic is placing a strain on healthcare services. Existing research on the effects of integrating health care with other factors may provide useful information for policy makers.
In this systematic review, the authors searched for research into the effects of integrated care interventions for the health care of indigenous communities in North America. These interventions incorporated biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors into health care, and had health behavioral specialists working alongside primary care clinicians. The authors did their most recent search in 2016. They included 9 studies.
What was found: Integrated care brought about better physical and mental health for indigenous people in North America, including reducing substance use and improving access to health care.
Integrated care improved social outcomes for indigenous people in North America, including improving employment and education status, and reducing contact with criminal justice systems.
Incorporating cultural beliefs and practices into health care improved community engagement and reduced stigma for indigenous people in North America.