Assessing Clinical Readiness for Chronic Disease Management in Canada's First Nations: Baseline Data from the FORGE AHEAD Clinical Readiness Consultation Tool

Background: First Nations (FN) peoples are experiencing epidemic rates of diabetes and associated complications. The Transformation of Indigenous Primary Healthcare Delivery (FORGE AHEAD) national research program partners with FN communities to develop and evaluate community-driven, culturally relevant quality improvement (QI) initiatives to improve chronic disease care. The validated Clinical Readiness Consultation Tool (CRCT) assesses the readiness or degree to which a team is mobilized for change and action. Matching a team's readiness to QI initiatives is essential for success and sustainability.