Unmasking Biases: The Power of Art in Rehumanizing Canadian Healthcare

The H. E. A. L. Healthcare project is a groundbreaking initiative that combines art and science to address the long-standing issue of biases in Canadian healthcare. Led by The Health Arts Research Centre (HARC) and the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health (NCCIH), this project brings together 30 artists, writers, and activists to create innovative arts-based learning materials for healthcare educators, professionals, and practitioners. But is this enough to truly tackle the issue of biases in healthcare? One of the most significant biases in healthcare is the lack of understanding and representation of Indigenous perspectives. "Indigenous resilience in the Western healthcare system" is just one of the 14 categories of biases tackled in the project. But what if we assume that this is just a minor issue, and that Indigenous peoples are simply not interested in accessing healthcare services? What if we assume that their experiences are not relevant to the broader healthcare system? What might the author of the article have missed in their analysis? Another significant bias is sexism, particularly in the way women's health is approached. "Health inequities and dehumanization experienced by women" is an example of a lesson that tackles this issue. But what if we assume that sexism is simply a side effect of a larger issue, such as patriarchal society? What if we assume that it's too complex to tackle, and that we can't do anything about it? What might the author of the article have overlooked in their analysis? The H. E. A. L. Healthcare project aims to provide a platform for self-reflection and internal focus, encouraging healthcare providers to acknowledge and challenge their biases. But is this approach enough to bring about real change? What if we assume that biases are simply a personal issue, and that they can be overcome by individual effort? What if we assume that the healthcare system is too complex to change, and that we can't do anything about it? What might the author of the article have missed in their analysis? In total, the project offers over 30 lessons to choose from, covering a range of biases and topics. But is this too little, too late? What if we assume that the project is just a Band-Aid solution, and that real change requires a more systemic approach? What if we assume that the healthcare system is too entrenched in its biases to change? What might the author of the article have overlooked in their analysis? The project's manager, X'staam Hana'ax (Nicole Halbauer), believes that the H. E. A. L. Healthcare Project provides systemic change that is long overdue. But is this just a pipe dream? What if we assume that the project is just a drop in the bucket, and that real change requires a more comprehensive approach? What if we assume that the healthcare system is too complex to change, and that we can't do anything about it? What might the author of the article have missed in their analysis?