U of A finds Indigenous children have greater than twofold increase in 30-day, long-term postoperative mortality vs non-Indigenous kids

Indigenous pediatric patients also face lower rates or reoperation for failed surgeries and lower rates of graft survival following renal transplantation, despite multiple calls to action to have more equitable health outcomes for that population. The review also revealed current date on postoperative outcomes in pediatric Indigenous patients remained limited and of poor quality. Researchers say the disparity in postoperative outcomes can be explained by:

• Greater mistrust in the healthcare system;
• Systemic racism; and
• Gaps in preventative screening and surgical followup.