The experience of urban aboriginals with health care services in Canada: implications for social work practice.

This exploratory study investigates the experience of Canadian Urban Aboriginal persons as consumers of health care services. Results highlight significant gaps in the training, skills, and knowledge of health care providers to optimally serve their Aboriginal patients. Also, several programs which are potentially most problematic for Aboriginal patients are identified. The discussion outlines important roles for hospital social workers in improving the care provided to urban Aboriginal patients.