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Program Review of the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI)
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Summary for the Program Review of the AHHRI
Completed in October 2009, the Program Review of the Aboriginal Health Human Resources Initiative (AHHRI) assesses the period from the AHHRI's inception in 2005 until December 2008. The formative evaluation details developments made in implementing the Initiative and assesses the degree to which program objectives were achieved. Furthermore, it informs other Health Canada Branches and stakeholders about the Initiative's strengths, limitations and impact. Finally, completion of the evaluation and the production of the current report fulfills the accountability requirements of the Treasury Board's Policy on Transfer Payments that ensures the Initiative's allocated resources were used as planned, that intended activities were implemented and that outputs were produced and completed.
Summary of findings:
- The Initiative has facilitated an increase in Aboriginal participation in the health care system in Canada. Many more Aboriginal people are aware of the educational requirements necessary to pursue a health care career.
- The Initiative has increased awareness of the broad array of careers available within the health care system. There are innovative pilot bridging programs that will increase the number of Aboriginal people who will qualify for entry into health professions. These pilot initiatives form a best practice that can be used to further increase the number of qualified Aboriginal candidates in the future.
- There have been a number of projects that have sought to increase the number of culturally competent health professionals, including the development of culturally sensitive and relevant curricula.
The following recommendations were made to improve the delivery and management of the Initiative:
- Improve communication;
- Strengthen regional planning and implementation of the AHHRI;
- Develop Inuit-specific health human resources (HHR) strategies and approaches;
- Ensure that northern and rural strategies reflect the unique HHR conditions and needs of these geographical areas;
- Facilitate the development of a community-based HHR planning tools and methodologies;
- Improve methods of data collection and reporting mechanisms;
- Strengthen and understand the roles and responsibilities of governance committees; and
- Adopt approaches to reduce turnover, improve retention and enhance knowledge sharing and dissemination within the governance structure.
The Program Review concluded that the AHHRI successfully fulfilled its mandate. The Initiative has laid the foundation for long-term change in the supply, demand and creation of supportive environments for First Nations, Inuit and Métis health human resources working in Aboriginal communities. This in turn allows for the improvement of health status and increases the numbers of skilled and qualified Aboriginal health professionals and para-professionals in Canada.
