Background

In Canada, there has been limited research on how different racial groups experience surgery. Often, all non-White minorities are grouped together and compared to White individuals. This might be due to issues like small sample sizes, privacy concerns, and a focus on socioeconomic differences. There’s a gap in research about the specific experiences of African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) patients when it comes to getting surgical care and the quality of that care in Western countries. This study aims to fill that gap by looking at the experiences of ACB surgical patients.

Study Objective: To find the barriers and facilitators for ACB patients accessing surgical care and to understand how the barriers and facilitators  affect the quality of their care.

Research Question: How do African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) patients experience surgical care?

Phase 1: Are there differences in access to and quality of surgical care among ACB patients in Western countries?
Phase 2: What are the experiences of ACB patients in Canada regarding the barriers and facilitators to getting surgical care, and how do these shape their views on the quality of care they receive?

Methods: We will use both quantitative and qualitative methods. First, we will do a scoping review to find and assess gaps in the existing literature on surgical care for ACB adult patients in Western countries. Then, we will conduct interviews to understand the experiences of ACB patients. Participants will be recruited across Canada through community organizations, engagement teams, and social media.

Impact: The findings from the scoping review will guide new research to reduce disparities and enhance facilitators within ACB communities. The interviews in phase two will deepen our understanding of the experiences of ACB patients in Canada. By focusing on ACB voices and stories, we aim to highlight ACB specific challenges and perspectives.

This study could inform interventions and policies to address surgical disparities among ACB populations. By reporting the experiences of patients, the study will provide context for understanding the barriers and facilitators for ACB patients. The long term goal is to contribute insights that will help policymakers, healthcare providers, and community advocates make informed decisions and create strategies backed by evidence, tailored to the needs of ACB surgical patients. Ultimately, this study aims to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and advocate for improved healthcare access, contributing to better health equity and well-being for ACB populations.

Patient research partner roles and responsibilities

We are seeking the support of a patient partner to join my thesis committee and contribute their invaluable expertise as someone with lived experience of being, or having a loved one, part of the African, Caribbean, or Black identifying community and has experience with surgery from any country.
The patient partner will play a crucial role in several key areas, including providing input and feedback during the analysis of the scoping review, which will help ensure that our findings are grounded in real-world experiences. They will be invited to help develop interview questions for the interviews, informed by the scoping review results. Additionally, the patient partner will be invited to assist in recruiting interview participants, leveraging their networks and understanding of the community. Their insights will be vital during the interpretation and analysis of data from interview transcripts, ensuring that our conclusions accurately reflect the experiences of ACB patients. They will provide feedback on the interview findings, which will be instrumental in refining our understanding and reporting. If interested, the patient partner may also participate in manuscript writing and assist in disseminating key findings to interested parties, enhancing the impact and reach of our study. This collaboration will ensure that the research is patient-centered and that the outcomes are both relevant and beneficial to the community.
Meetings can be held online or in person, depending on the patient partner’s preference.

What are the expectations of patient partners?

Patient partners are expected to:

• Attend meetings with the committee and participate in discussions at key project milestones, such as:
  • Analyzing preliminary results of the scoping review and providing insights for interpreting the results.
  • Assisting in generating interview questions for the semi-structured interviews based on the final scoping review results.
• Collaborate with community networks to support the recruitment of participants for the interview phase of the study.
• Optionally assist in analyzing interview transcripts, although this is not required.
• Provide insights and perspectives on preliminary findings from the semi-structured interviews to incorporate into the final study results.
• Optionally be involved in reporting findings to interested parties at the conclusion of the study.

Are you offering training?

Yes, training will be provided to assist with the analysis of interview transcripts in line with the qualitative phase methodology. Additionally, if the patient partner wishes to collaborate on other phases of the project, training will be offered to facilitate their involvement.

Time Commitment

The project commenced on June 17th, 2024 and patient partner involvement is anticipated to begin in late September to early October, depending on their availability. The project is estimated to conclude in July 2025. Patient partners are expected to collaborate during key milestone points, which are estimated to occur approximately once a month, and attend committee meetings, which are held once every three months. These meetings will generally last no longer than one hour. However, if the patient partner elects to collaborate in the co-creation of interview guides, analysis of interview transcripts, or receive related training, additional time may be required based on their availability and interest.

Compensation/Reimbursement
Compensation will be offered at a rate equivalent to that of a research assistant, based on the University of Calgary pay guidelines, for time spent consulting, participating in meetings, recruiting participants, and other research related activities.

For any in-person engagements, reimbursement will be offered to cover direct expenses, such as parking, travel, and dependent care.

For more information please connect with
Linda Bakunda  linda.bakunda@ucalgary.ca
587.581.4377