Program and Year: 2020 – Manitoba COVID-19 Rapid Response Research Grant Award
Project Title: A Distinction-Based Study on Equity in COVID-19 Testing, Vaccination and Associated Outcomes for Manitoba First Nations, Métis and Inuit
– First Nations Lead: Dr. Wanda Phillips-Beck
– Métis Lead: Dr. Julianne Sanguins
– Inuit Lead: Dr. Wayne Clark
Faculty: Max Rady College of Medicine, Community Health Sciences, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba
Synopsis:
First Nation, Metis and Inuit Canadians have high rates of chronic illnesses, and are at high risk of poor COVID-19 outcomes. Researchers at the University of Manitoba, the First Nations Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, the Manitoba Metis Federation, and the Manitoba Inuit Association have partnered on this project. We will compare rates of testing and vaccination for COVID-19 among First Nation, Inuit and Metis people to rates of testing in Manitoba. We will use administrative data to identify barriers and facilitators to accessing testing and vaccination in our province to provide evidence to inform future strategies as the pandemic unfolds.
What will the impacts/benefits of this research be to Manitoba/Canada?
We will co-create evidence with First Nation, Metis, and Inuit health leadership and the Manitoba Government’s Department of Health to direct the public health response to COVID-19 to where it is most needed.
What do you hope to achieve at the end of your Research Manitoba funded project?
We hope to generate evidence on the barriers and facilitators First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples experience when accessing COVID tests and vaccinations to inform future strategies to support optimal health and well-being among First Nations, Metis, and Inuit that takes into consideration their unique culture and historical experiences.
How did the funds you received from Research Manitoba advance this research and/or your career?
The funds from Research Manitoba were critical for advancing the Knowledge Translation (KT) work that we’re engaged with. This includes the creation of knowledge products and data dashboards as well as the ability to pay a KT Broker to help us think through a KT strategy.
Did you receive additional funding for this project as a result of your Research Manitoba?
We received funds from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) concurrently with this grant, which we have combined to advance the work that we’re completing with this grant.