Diversity and Alberta Health Services

2011

Vulnerable Populations in Alberta Report

2010

Evaluation of a Diversity Liaison Model to Communicate Health Promotion Messages to Immigrant and Refugee Parents

This pilot project examined the use of diversity liaisons, Alberta Health Services employees who work with vulnerable populations and are fluent in the language of the target group, as a model of providing health promotion information to immigrant and refugee parents with children 0-6 years of age. The project had the following objectives: 1) successful provision of health promotion information to ethnocultural and low income families; 2) increased access to messages in an innovative and sustainable manner; and 3) strengthening internal and external partnerships to support parents. The purpose of the current evaluation was to determine the appropriateness of the current diversity liaison model, whether the model was implemented as planned, what changes were suggested for future programming based on challenges identified, and whether expected outcomes were seen. Evaluation findings will inform the development of recommendations for future program planning and service provision for immigrant and refugee families in Calgary and within Alberta.

2009

Health Promotion in Immigrant and Refugee Populations:  Culturally Appropriate Strategies

This literature review identifies evidence-based practices that would inform the development of culturally and linguistically appropriate and effective health promotion strategies for improving pre- and post-natal health outcomes for refugee and immigrant women.

The Peer Educator Model For Health Promotion

This literature review examines the peer educator model as a health promotion strategy. Specifically, this report provides an overview of the peer educator model; discusses the benefits of the peer educator model for the individual and the target community, as well as for the peer educator; considers elements of program design, including the engagement of lay versus professional educators, the importance of community collaboration, issues related to curriculum development, responsibilities of peer educators, remuneration and job satisfaction; reviews the recruitment and the training of peer educators; addresses issues related to program assessment and evaluation; and discusses some of the challenges associated with peer educator programs that need to be considered.

2008

Regional Diversity Directional Document

The directional document incorporates best and promising practices for achieving diversity competency and identifies how the Region will contribute to the growing evidence base. It reflects current thinking about the importance of a more comprehensive view of diversity, continuing changing demographics of the populations served, a Regional approach to diversity and the emerging trends in diversity competency.

Persons with Disabilities Literature Review and Community Consultation (2008)

A literature review and consultation undertaken to identify the health issues of persons with disabilities (communication, developmental, intellectual, physical and psychiatric), the barriers they experience in having their health needs met and the ways these barriers can be reduced.

Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Refugees in Calgary (2008)

A research paper on promising practices, programs and approaches for improving the health of refugees from elsewhere in Canada and around the world; as well as consultations with key informants in the Calgary community for feedback on which strategy, or strategies, identified in the literature review would be most appropriate and effective in assisting refugees, to recommend necessary actions to develop the strategies, and to identify those who would be able to collaborate on these or other new strategies. This report will be used as a guide to assist with the development of a made-in-Calgary strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of the refugee population.

Best Practices in Diversity Competency Models:  Literature Review and Environmental Scan

An assessment of the current state of knowledge and implementation of diversity/cultural competency.

Interpretation/Translation Services Literature Review and Environmental Scan (2008)

A review of the issues, barriers, models, standards and codes of ethics for interpreter services.

Best Practices in Diversity Liaison Services:  Literature Review & Environmental Scan (2008)

A literature review and environmental scan compiling current knowledge on the role and practice of cultural liaisons / brokers.

2007

Taking Action on Homelessness and Health: Challenges, Barriers and Solutions

In an effort to draw awareness and inform policy the Calgary Health Region (CHR), in partnership with other institutions, organized a 2006 Conference on Diversity and Wellbeing: Taking Action on Homelessness and Health. This conference presented a unique opportunity to examine the current practices and programs that serve homeless population in and around the Calgary Metropolitan area. This study’s purpose was to generate practical information on issues and challenges, barriers and solutions to tackling homelessness and health related problems, from the view point of frontline workers, decision makers and service providers.

2009 Poster Presentation:  Providing Health Care Services to Homeless Populations: Lessons from the Field

Chronic Disease Management Strategic Plan 2007-2012 (2007)

An evidence-based strategic plan combining historical understandings of the Chronic Care Model with the well established Population Health Model. Used to guide refinement of existing Chronic Disease Management strategies and to develop/implement said new strategies. Please contact Shahnaz Davachi for more info.

Homelessness, Chronic Disease and Access to Care (2007)

An extensive, systematic literature review and needs assessment that compiles current health-related information on homeless people to identify service gaps, short-term and long term service needs and best practices and strategies for provision of sustainable and integrated services. Please contact Shahnaz Davachi for more info.

Gender and Sexual Diversity: Health Services Consultation and Literature Review (2007)

A literature review and consultation undertaken to identify the health issues of people in sexual minority populations (gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, intersexed, transsexual and two-spirited), the barriers they experience in having their health needs met and the ways these barriers can be reduced.

2006

Health and Diverse Populations

Information was compiled from Canadian publications to determine the health of diverse populations and what health issues they are experiencing. 

2005

Environmental Scan and Needs Assessment Study: Expansion of the Chronic Disease Management Program to Diverse Populations in Calgary (2005 - 2006)

A study conducted to facilitate the program expansion planning process related to diverse populations & Chronic Disease Management. Please contact Shahnaz Davachi for more info.

2004

2004 Regional Diversity 5 Year Strategic Plan 2004 – 2008 (2004)

A plan to guide the Calgary Health Region’s achievement of Diversity Competence.

2002

1999-2002 Blueprint for Enhancing Cultural Competency in the Calgary Health Region (2002)

A document to guide development of the Diversity Services Strategic Plan and the subsequent provision of culturally competent health services within the Region.

Ethno-Cultural Community Consultation (2002)

A consultation with representatives from a number of ethno-cultural communities regarding their responses to existing diversity services and those that were planned for the future.

Evaluation of Language Facilitation Project: For Seniors Who Speak Russian and Yiddish (2002)

An evaluation report that identified the positive reaction of both seniors and health providers to the experience of using a trained interpreter.

Magnitude of Diabetes Among Indo-Asian Population (2001-2002)

This review of evidence on the diabetes epidemic among the Indo-Asian population provided the foundation for a culturally-competent, community-based intervention initiative launched in partnership with the target community.Please contact Shahnaz Davachi for more info.

No Trivial Matter: The Challenge to Create Effective Communication Services for CRHA* Staff working with Limited English Proficient (LEP) (1999)

A cross-service survey of 2,000 Regional care and service providers that assessed staff perceptions of the need for interpretation services as an enabler of appropriate and effective health care service provision region-wide. (* The Calgary Health Region was previously known as the Calgary Regional Health Authority or CRHA)