Uncovering rheumatologic disease in the Northwest Territories

In this episode of Arthritis At Home, we are sharing the #CRArthritis interview with rheumatology resident Ms. Whitney Hung and Dr. Steven Katz, Director and Professor in the Division of Rheumatology at the University of Alberta. The duo provides a summary of their poster presentation: Uncovering Rheumatologic Disease in the Northwest Territories: First Comprehensive Baseline Study and Comparative Insights. 

Ms. Hung and Dr. Katz highlight the long wait times and high rate of patient no-shows or cancellations in the NWT and describe what are the biggest barriers preventing patients from accessing timely rheumatology care, and what can be done to improve access. They also comment on their study that suggests Indigenous and female patients may be disproportionately affected by access barriers and recommend what steps can be taken to ensure more equitable care for these populations. 

Additional learning resources

• ACE Advocacy: Addressing Health Inequities 
• ACE National Survey on Arthritis and Health Inequities
• CBC: N.W.T. no longer offering rheumatology services, patients must travel to Edmonton