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Annette Browne

Annette Browne
PhD, RN, FCAHS, FCAN

Professor & Distinguished University Scholar | Associate Director, Graduate Programs

Contact Information

Phone 1-604-822-7558
Email annette.browne@ubc.ca
Address
UBC School of Nursing
T201 2211 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver BC V6T2B5
Canada

Profile

Bio

Dr. Browne studies health and healthcare inequities, with a particular focus on health inequities affecting Indigenous peoples. She conducts research on strategies to enhance equity-oriented health care for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, including interventions to address systemic racism and discrimination, and support the uptake of cultural safety and trauma- and violence-informed care. Her work is aimed at promoting health equity through improvements in nursing practice, healthcare delivery, and health policy.

Credentials

Profile

Educational Background

BN, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
MSN, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
PhD, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Affiliations & Links

EQUIP Health Care
Critical Research in Health and Healthcare Inequities

Honours & Awards

Fellow, Canadian Academy of Nursing
Fellow, Canadian Academy of Health Sciences
2017 Distinguished University Scholar
2015 John McNeill Excellence in Health Research Mentorship Award, UBC
2008 College of Registered Nurses of BC Award of Excellence for Nursing Research

Research

Area of Research

Research Interests

Building on my experience as a clinical nurse who lived and worked within First Nations and Inuit communities, my program of research has generated a body of evidence aimed at improving healthcare and health outcomes for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples affected by health and social inequities. Working in partnership with communities, health and policy leaders, and clinicians at the point of care, recent funded studies are focused on: the impact of organizational interventions to improve health equity in primary healthcare; health-promoting interventions with Indigenous women experiencing violence, and; strategies to improve equity-oriented care in emergency departments. My aim is to use evidence to transform healthcare for people most impacted by health inequities, including racism, discrimination, and stigma.

Current Projects

Pathways to Care for People Experiencing Substance Use Stigma
(Colleen Varcoe [NPI], Annette J. Browne, Vicky Bungay & David Byres [Co-PIs])
This project focuses on improving care by reducing the substance use stigma and discrimination that people face in health care settings. Building on our action-oriented research known as EQUIP Health Care, we are designing, implementing and evaluating tools, resources, and strategies to help providers, organizations, and policy-makers deliver equity-oriented health care by reducing substance use stigma, and simultaneously supporting trauma- and violence-informed care, antiracism & cultural safety.

EQUIP Emergency
(Colleen Varcoe [NPI], Annette J. Browne, Vicky Bungay & David Byres [Co-PIs])
This project, which builds on insights from EQUIP Primary Health Care, will study the feasibility, process, and impact of implementing an evidence-informed framework for interventions to improve the capacity of Emergency Departments to provide high-quality care to people at greatest risk of experiencing health and health care inequities. Through collaboration among Indigenous leaders, ED staff and leaders and researchers, the project aims to improve care, safety, access, and decrease adverse events for patients and staff. We are adapting the Equity-Oriented Care (EOC) interventions we previously developed for Primary Health Care (PHC) clinics to promote equity, so that they apply to the ED context.

Addressing the Consequences of Violence and Trauma: A Health Intervention for Women in an Indigenous Context
(Colleen Varcoe [NPI], Annette J. Browne, & Marilyn Ford-Gilboe [Co-PIs])
This study has been named “Reclaiming Our Spirits” by the women who participated in the pilot phase. Funded by CIHR, the study is developing and testing a complex health intervention to help address issues of trauma, violence and pain for Indigenous women who have experienced partner violence. The study aims to: a) develop an Indigenous way of seeing the health of Indigenous women, b) use that approach to develop a health promoting intervention for Indigenous women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), and c) test its feasibility and helpfulness for women. This study draws on a previously developed intervention that has been pilot tested showing good effects, such as improvements in women’s quality of life, mental health, chronic pain, social support and sense of confidence which were maintained 6 months after the intervention ended. The previous intervention helped women with safety strategies, symptoms of trauma (such as insomnia and pain), getting basic life necessities, and looking after themselves and their relationships. The pilot of the intervention showed that the women found a circle supported by an Elder, cultural teachings and working with nurses all helped them to improve their health.

EQUIP Health Care: Equity-Oriented Primary Health Care Interventions for Marginalized Populations to Address Structural Inequities and Structural Violence
(Annette J. Browne [NPI], Colleen Varcoe, Marilyn Ford-Gilboe, & Nadine Wathen [Co-PIs] )
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Known as EQUIP Primary Health Care, this research focuses on improving primary health care (PHC) services for various populations, including Indigenous and non-Indigenous people who experience the negative health effects of structural inequities and structural violence. The team will study the effectiveness of an innovative PHC intervention designed to improve delivery of care and health outcomes, particularly for people affected by poverty, trauma and social exclusion. They will also identify the policies needed to support equity-oriented PHC interventions. Key research partnerships are with the Indigenous Health Program of the BC Provincial Health Services Authority, the Public Health Agency of Canada, Indigenous health organizations, various PHC agencies in BC and Ontario.

Completed Projects

Fostering Cultural Safety in Nursing Practice with People Experiencing Problematic Substance Use
(Bernie Pauley [NPI], Jane McCall [co-PI], & Annette J. Browne [Co-PIs])
Funder: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, BC Nursing Research Initiative
The purpose of this three year study is to generate new knowledge that will foster understanding of what constitutes culturally safe nursing care in acute care settings for people who are experiencing problematic substance use and social disadvantage.

Aboriginal Men’s Health Narratives: Reclaiming our Lives
(Vicki Smye [NPI], & P. Gross [co-PI], A.J. Browne, C. Varcoe et al. [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
This research project explores Aboriginal men’s experiences of health, wellbeing and social services support. Using a participatory research approach, the study aims to improve Aboriginal men’s access to appropriate, safe and effective health and social services. The study uses various ethnographic methods, including in-depth individual and focus group interviews, photovoice, and participant observations. The research design, process and dissemination are guided by a Community Aboriginal Advisory Team of elders, healers, community men and service organization providers. The findings of this study will be used to inform the planning and design of services for Aboriginal peoples.

Improving Access to Primary Health Care: Lessons from Two Urban Aboriginal Health Centres
(Annette J. Browne [NPI], Colleen Varcoe, Josee Lavoie, & Sabrina Wong [Co-PIs])
Funder: Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), Operating Grant
This four year study is conducted in partnership with the Vancouver Native Health Society, and the Central Interior Native Health Society in Prince George, BC. The focus is on: a) exploring how primary health care (PHC)services are provided in an indigenous health care context to meet the needs of people who have been ‘marginalized’ by systemic inequities, and b) developing a preliminary set of PHC indicators that can reflect the most relevant dimensions of service delivery in the context of marginalized people’s lives and well-being.

Leaving For The City: The Social, Economic And Political Impact Of First Nations People Who Relocate For Medical Reasons
(Josee Lavoie [NPI], A.J. Browne, R. Eni, J. Kaufert, J. O’Neil, et al. [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Group Visits: A Potential Model Of Delivering Primary Health Care?
(Sabrina Wong [NPI], A.J. Browne, J. Lavoie, C. Ulrich, M. Macleod, et al. [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Aboriginal Women’ Experiences of Leaving Intimate Partner Violence: Toward Improved Access to Health Care
(Vicki Smye [NPI], A. J. Browne, M. Dion Stout, C. Varcoe, et al. [Co-PIs])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

The Organization and Utilization of Arthritis Health Services for First Nations People Living in the Southern Mainland Area of BC
(Heather McDonald [Doctoral Student], Annette J. Browne [NPI], Joan Anderson [Co-PI], M. Marker, C. Jillings, & R. McCormick [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Substance-Using Women and Experiences of Primary Health Care
(Amy Salmon [PI], A. J. Browne, & A. Pederson [co-Is])
Funder: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research

Access to Community-Based Mental Health and Addictions Services for Aboriginal Peoples
(Vicki Smye [PI], A.J. Browne, N. Caplette, E. Goldner, B. Mussell, & P. Rodney [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

The Working Relationships of Public Health Nurses and High Priority Families in Northern Communities
(Martha Macleod [NPI], A.J. Browne, G. Doane, N. Moules, L. Cerny, & N. Hanlon [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Access Issues for Aboriginal People Seeking Primary Care Services in an Urban Centre
(Annette J. Browne [NPI], Vicki Smye [PI], B. Calam, N. Caplette, L. Demerais, R. McCormick, B. Mussell, J. O’Neil, & P. Rodney [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Community-Based Smoking Reduction Strategies for Aboriginal Girls
(Lorraine Greaves [NPI], A.J. Browne, J. Johnson, D. Schwartz, et al. [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Issues Related to Ethnicity Data Collection in Health Care Settings: A Critical Analysis
(Annette J. Browne [NPI], N. Caplette, B. Calam, R. Peters, E. Stanger, V. Smye, C. Varcoe, & S. Wong. [co-Is])
Funder: Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research

Cultural Safety and Knowledge Uptake in Clinical Settings: A Model for Practice for Culturally Diverse Populations
(Joan Anderson [NPI], Sheryl Reimer Kirkham [Co-PI], A.J. Browne, J. Lynam, P. Rodney, C. Varcoe, V. Smye, S. Wong, E. Tan, & P. Semeniuk [co-Is])
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

Publications

PubMed

Publications

View on Google Scholar

Please see journal publications listed on Pub Med and Google Scholar. The list below includes those not indexed on Pub Med or Google Scholar.

Selected Edited Books and Book Chapters:

Varcoe, C., Browne, A. J., & Kang, B. (2020). Culture and cultural safety: Beyond cultural inventories (pp. 243-261). In D. Gregory, C. Raymond, L. Patrick & T. Stephen (Eds.), Fundamentals: Perspectives on the Art and Science of Canadian Nursing (2nd Edition). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Browne, A.J., MacDonald-Jenkins, J., & Luctkar-Flude, M. (Eds.) (2019). Physical examination and health assessment by C. Jarvis (3rd Canadian Edition). Toronto: Elsevier.

Browne, A.J., & Varcoe, C. (2019). Cultural and social considerations in health assessment (pp. 28-45). In A. J. Browne, J. MacDonald-Jenkins & M. Luctkar-Flude (Eds.), Physical Examination and Health Assessment by C. Jarvis (3rd Canadian Edition). Toronto: Elsevier.

Varcoe, C., Browne, A.J. & Michalson, L. (2019). Substance use and health assessment (pp. 110-123). In A. J. Browne, J. MacDonald-Jenkins & M. Luctkar-Flude (Eds.), Physical Examination and Health Assessment by C. Jarvis (3rd Canadian Edition). Toronto: Elsevier.

McKenzie, H., Varcoe, C., Browne, A. J., Ford-Gilboe, M., Dion Stout, M., Price, R., Day. L., & Inyallie, J. (2017). Context matters: Promoting inclusion with Indigenous women. In F. Klodawsky, J. Siltanen & C. Andrew (Eds.), Toward equity and inclusion in Canadian cities (Vol. 8, pp. 83-110). Montreal, QC: McGill-Queen’s University Press.

Browne, A.J., & Reimer Kirkham, S. (2014). Problematizing social justice discourses in nursing (pp. 21-38). In P. Kagan, M. Smith, & P. Chinn (Eds.), Philosophies and practices of emancipatory nursing: Social justice as praxis. New York: Routledge.

Varcoe, C., Browne, A.J., Cender, L. (2014). Promoting social justice and equity by practicing nursing to address structural inequities and structural violence (pp. 266-284). In P. Kagan, M. Smith, & P. Chinn (Eds.), Philosophies and practices of emancipatory nursing: Social justice as praxis. New York: Routledge.

Browne, A.J., Varcoe, C., & Fridkin, A. (2011). Addressing trauma, violence and pain: Research on health services for women at the intersections of history and economics. In O. Hankivsky (Ed.), Health Inequities in Canada - Intersectional Frameworks and Practices (pp. 295-311). Vancouver: UBC Press.

Browne, A.J., Smye, V., & Varcoe, C. (2007). Postcolonial-feminist theoretical perspectives and women’s health. In M. Morrow, O. Hankivsky, & C. Varcoe (Eds.), Women's Health in Canada: Critical Perspectives on Theory and Policy (pp. 124 – 142). Toronto: University of Toronto Press.

Selected Research Reports:

Varcoe, C., Browne, A.J., & Ponic, P. (2013). Promising theoretical contributions to the measurement of racial discrimination: Critical literature review. Research report for the Public Health Agency of Canada. Funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Smye, V., Browne, A.J. & Josewski, V. (2010). Supporting the mental wellness of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada: Cultural safety – A research discussion paper. A report for the the Bridging Cultures II Project of the Native Mental Health Association of Canada and the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. Funded by First Nations and Inuit Health, Health Canada. Available at: https://mdsc.ca/documents/Publications/BUILDING%20BRIDGES%202_SCHEDULES%20A-E.pdf

Browne, A.J., McDonald, H., & Elliott, D. (2009). Urban First Nations health research discussion paper. A report for the First Nations Centre of the National Aboriginal Health Organization (NAHO). Ottawa: National Aboriginal Health Organization. [Refereed, 54 pages]. Available at: https://open.library.ubc.ca/cIRcle/collections/facultyresearchandpublications/52383/items/1.0084587

VANDU Women Care Team [Principal Investigator: Salmon, A., Co-Investigators: A.J. Browne, A. Pederson]. (2009) “Me, I’m living it”: The primary health care experiences of women who use drugs in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Vancouver, BC: British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. Available at: http://bccewh.bc.ca/publications-resources/documents/MeImLivingit.pdf

Fiske, J., & Browne, A.J. (2008). Paradoxes and contradictions in health policy reform: Implications for First Nations women. Vancouver: British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health. [Refereed, 48 pages]. Available at: https://open.library.ubc.ca/cIRcle/collections/facultyresearchandpublications/52383/items/1.0084585

Teaching

Current Teaching

Annette’s career as a teacher and researcher stems from her clinical work as an outpost nurse and Family Nurse Practitioner who lived and worked in northern First Nations and Inuit communities.

Annette teaches courses in Health Policy; Health Promotion; Ethics and the Politics of Nursing; Philosophy of Nursing Knowledge; among others. Her involvement on Master’s and PhD thesis committees is in a variety of disciplines including Nursing, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Population and Public Health.