As BC strengthens its immunization policies and programs to respond to the challenges and learnings from the pandemic as well as health needs of British Columbians, it is essential for research to be a central pillar of decision-making. This project will co-develop, test and disseminate knowledge translation (KT) tools to support seamless integration of research into immunization policy and program implementation in BC. During phase 1, we will conduct an environmental scan to address the knowledge gap on effective KT strategies for moving research into evidence-informed policies and programs. During phase 2, researchers and research users will be invited to participate in a forum to inform the design of the KT tools. The tools will include knowledge product templates (e.g. policy briefs) and a guide to orient researchers to the immunization policy and implementation landscape in BC. Additionally, they will provide an overview of effective KT strategies and appropriate policy and implementation target audiences for disseminating a variety of vaccine research. During the final phase, we will design and disseminate the KT tools through workshops, webinars and social media. We will evaluate the process and impact of the new tools.
Team members: Monika Naus (BC Centre for Disease Control); Gabrielle Gaultier (UBC); Julie Bettinger (UBC); Bonnie Henry (Ministry of Health); Susan Hollenberg (UBC); Bryce Wong (BC Pharmacy Association).
We wish to create a video that bolsters an increased awareness of how the CanConnect assistive technology can improve the quality and accessibility of virtual social communications, and thereby contribute to the improvement of older adult’s (OAs) wellbeing and mental health. Our research showed that OAs became more interested, engaged, and curious about CanConnect when they saw their friends having positive experiences with loved ones using the technology. In choosing a video as a vehicle for KT, we seek to appeal to viewers and potential research users on a more emotional, intellectual, and communal level, showing the power of using CanConnect technology with family members and friends in everyday interactions. We also believe that showcasing these positive interpersonal interactions on video establishes further trust between researchers and the community. Video represents an opportunity to tell the stories of real people, in real places, living their real lives; and these stories can invite conversation between existing narratives and our own experiences. In consultation with local community partners, within this proposed project, we see an opportunity to re-visit, and potentially re-write stories, together.
Team members: Matilde Cervantes (UVic); Robin Syme (CanAssist); Karen Kobayashi (UVic).
Around 86,000 Canadians live with spinal cord injury (SCI), a complex condition that leads to serious and costly healthcare challenges. Pressure injury (PI) is a common and potentially life threatening complication of SCI, and over 90 percent of people with SCI will experience at least one PI in their lifetime. Persons with PI and SCI require ongoing care from a range of healthcare providers and may experience mobility challenges, mental health concerns, and social isolation. While there is growing knowledge about how to manage PIs, little is known about the experiences of persons with SCI. Through our previous research, we have learned about how people with SCI experience PI and the challenges faced when accessing healthcare. This Reach award will allow us to raise awareness of these issues and to share information that can be used to improve healthcare services. Our team plans to work together to: 1) Create and share educational resources (e.g. videos, pamphlets, and workshops) that raise awareness of PI in SCI; 2) Share lived experiences and best practices; and 3) Provide an opportunity for ongoing learning that supports improvements and innovations in care.
Team members: Nassim Adhami (UNBC – School of Nursing); Shayna Dolan (UNBC – School of Nursing); Kiran Ghag (UNBC – School of Nursing); John Chernesky (Praxis – Spinal Cord Institute); Spring Hawes; Scott Donia (Praxis – Spinal Cord Institute); Nelly Oelke (UBC – Okanagan); Shannon Freeman (UNBC – School of Nursing); Nicola Waters (Thompson Rivers University); John Cobb (Vancouver General Hospital).
Advances in gynecologic cancer research is rapidly evolving resulting in new prevention strategies, diagnostic tools, treatment modalities, and survivorship care. Patients and survivors have consistently shared the need for accessible and patient-oriented strategies to access the latest research evidence. We aim to co-create a knowledge translation platform with gynecologic cancer patients to share research on prevention, diagnostics, treatment, and survivorship of gynecologic cancers. This platform will include two knowledge translation tools that have been co-designed and inspired by patient partners. The first tool is a new podcast series on the Gynecologic Oncology Sharing Hub (GOSH Podcast) using a storytelling/investigative approach to share the latest gynecologic cancer research. The second tool is a new Gynecologic Cancer Research Blog featuring a series of different articles written by trainees and patient partners. These tools have been created and designed by patients who will continue to share their insight to ensure that the content is relevant to patients. This platform will also serve as an opportunity for trainees to develop science communication and knowledge translation skills.
Team members: Gillian Hanley (UBC); Amy Jamieson (UBC); Janice Kwon (UBC); Lesa Dawson (UBC); Blake Gilks (UBC); Jessica McAlpine (UBC); Brad Nelson (BC Cancer Victoria – Deeley Research Centre); Deborah Money (UBC); Elisabeth McClymont (UBC); Aline Talhouk (UBC); Anna Tinker (BC Cancer Vancouver); Michelle Woo (UBC); Stephanie Lam (UBC); Alexandra Lukey (UBC); Celine Laumont (BC Cancer Victoria – Deeley Research Centre); Siv Klausen (Gynecologic Cancer Initiative); Nicole Keay (Gynecologic Cancer Initiative); Ariadne Hiller (Gynecologic Cancer Initiative); Nancy Cleveland (Gynecologic Cancer Initiative).
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is traditionally viewed as a chronic, progressive condition that someone has for life. Our research, and that of others, now shows it is possible to drive T2D into remission through specific diet and lifestyle changes. T2D remission means that blood sugars are back in the normal range with no medications needed; it represents a new way of viewing T2D which provides hope for those affected. Research shows T2D remission is achievable, but now we need a public outreach program to alert as many British Columbians as possible to this news and connect them with helpful resources. We will implement a KT initiative including: 1) Video and graphic media products that we create; 2) Earned mainstream media coverage; and 3) A social media campaign, which amplifies the first two elements and drives viewers to a web platform, RemissionPossible.ca, which will connect them with T2D remission resources. Given how broadly T2D affects British Columbians and what a “feel good” story this is, we anticipate significant interest with mainstream and social media. By carefully tracking results (impressions and web traffic), we will improve our reach and learn valuable lessons to inform future KT initiatives.
Team members: Damien Gillis; Barbara Oliveira (UBC Okanagan); Tom Elliot (UBC); Sean McKelvey (Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition, not-for-profit); Marc Pelletier (Institute for Health Systems Transformation and Sustainability, not-for-profit); Deanne Taylor (Interior Health); Kathleen Martin Ginis (UBC Okanagan and Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management); Krista Lamb; JJ Belanger; Chris Xi.
The objective is to develop a knowledge translation and mobilization plan for exercise recommendations for people with bone metastases. In advanced cancer, cancer can spread to bone, called ‘bone metastases’. This makes bones weaker and more likely to break, leading to pain and disability. Physical activity can help people living with bone metastases to maintain their independence and engage in more activities they enjoy. However, health care professionals, exercise professionals and people living with bone metastases (user groups) are uncertain about how to safely engage in physical activity. In 2022, expert recommendations were published on physical activity specifically for people with bone metastases. Without specific tools for user groups and communication plans, it could take years for these recommendations to be taken up into practice. We will bring together people who are part of the intended user groups across British Columbia to “co-design” the best way to get information about the recommendations to people who need it, in the most useful way possible. This project aims to raise awareness about the recommendations and start the process to increase use of the recommendations for people living in British Columbia.
Team members: Christine Simmons (BC Cancer Agency); Alan Bates (BC Cancer); Cathy Clelland (BC Cancer); Sian Shuel (BC Cancer); Leah Lambert (BC Cancer); Sarah Budding Smith (BC Cancer); Chiara Singh (Fraser Health & Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia); Hardip Jhaj (British Columbia Association of Kinesiologists); Rebecca Tunnacliffe (BC Recreation and Parks Association); Tracy Torchetti (Canadian Cancer Society); Sarah Weller (BC Cancer); Stephanie Skourtes (Women’s Health Research Institute); Kirstin Lane (Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education University of Victoria); Sarah Neil-Sztramko (National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools); David Langelier (University of Toronto and Princess Margaret Cancer Centre); Michelle Nadler (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre); Samantha Myers (UBC – Rehabilitation Sciences).
Genetic knowledge is important for Jewish people who are especially susceptible to risks of genetic mutations of the BRCA genes and BRCA consequences which increase the lifetime risk of developing breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, lymphoma and melanoma. The earlier an individual knows that she/he has the mutation, the better the chances for cancer risk mitigation and monitoring. In the general young adult Jewish population, there is often little motivation to learn about BRCA mutations; however, learning about BRCA mutations is most pertinent when one is young and healthy and able to take steps to prevent cancers. Our aim is to develop an animated “explainer” video to improve awareness and education about BRCA among the local young adult population in partnership with young adults in the BC Jewish community. This video is envisioned as brief (60-90 seconds), entertaining, animated video offering “a taste” of information about the BRCA genes and their importance for young people especially those with Jewish heritage. We will use an evidence-based dialogic, CBPR model to engage young people in BC to help us with video content and dissemination which will be multi-faceted and youth-driven.
Team members: Catriona Remocker (BRCAinBC); Beti Thompson (BRCAinBC); Stephanie Lam (Gynecologic Cancer Initiative).
Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH) is the most common inherited disorder, with a prevalence of 1 in 250 Canadians, characterized by lifelong elevation in blood cholesterol leading up to 22-fold increased risk for heart disease. Despite this, in BC alone, more than 85 percent of cases are undiagnosed and only a minority receive appropriate treatment. A key component for improving care for this population is by increasing awareness through patient education, engagement and dissemination of recent FH research results. The purpose of this proposal is to organize an updated educational forum on FH, focusing specifically on family-based care and women’s health, including lectures by patients, physicians, dietitians and genetic counsellors, and interactive group sessions including patients’ testimonials. This forum will provide an opportunity for patients to learn about new developments in diagnosis and treatment of FH, including management in special populations, such as pregnant women and children. The goal is to empower patients to become advocates for the FH community by increasing awareness of the disease and recognizing the importance of screening their families for early identification, treatment and ultimately heart disease reduction.
Team members: Iulia Iatan (UBC, Centre for Heart and Lung Innovation); Nancy Pratt-Najera (St. Paul’s Hospital); Lubomira Cermakova (St. Paul’s Hospital, Healthy Heart Program Prevention Clinic); Durhane Wong-Rieger (Canadian Organization for Rare Diseases).
The Environment, Community Health Observatory (ECHO) Network is a five-year research program (2017-2022) bringing together over 130 researchers, trainees, knowledge exchange partners, and community members. ECHO Network members have developed and refined a suite of integrative tools and processes aimed at taking notice of, analyzing, and responding to the health impacts of resource extraction, with specific emphasis on rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Acknowledging the existing research to action gap, as well as the applicability of many of our tools to addressing the climate crisis (an identified area of focus in health authorities), we are interested in hosting a reciprocal learning and sharing event between health researchers (ECHO Network), research users (health authority personnel), and trainees. We aim to: 1) Foster direct and reciprocal knowledge exchange pathways between researchers and health authorities to share and extend the reach of climate change-related tools; 2) Adapt research outputs to increase applicability of tools for health authorities; and 3) Promote intersectoral knowledge exchange training and capacity building among trainees, researchers, and health authority personnel.
Team members: Margot Parkes (UNBC); Angel Kennedy (SFU); Tim Takaro (SFU); Dawn Hoogeveen (SFU and First Nations Health Authority); Jordan Brubacher (SFU); Dionne Sanderson (First Nations Health Authority); Cody Thomas (First Nations Health Authority); Maery Kaplan-Hallam (First Nations Health Authority); Maeve Leduc (SFU); Sandra Harris (UNBC); Sue Pollock (Interior Health); Sandra Allison (Island Health); Christiana Onabola (UNBC); Katie Bauder (First Nations Health Authority); Holly Clermont (First Nations Health Authority); Diana Kutzner (First Nations Health Authority); Vishal Jain (Fraser Health); Krisztina Vasarhelyi (Vancouver Coastal Health); Raina Fumerton (Northern Health); Lars Hallstrom (University of Lethbridge); Lindsay Galway (Lakehead University); Celine Surette (Universite de Moncton).
Ophthalmic imaging plays a crucial role in the evaluation, follow-up, and treatment decision-making in ocular oncology. This critical role is even more prominent when dealing with the early-stage choroidal melanoma or amelanotic tumor patients, in which diagnostic uncertainty is especially prevalent. This is due to the significant overlap in the clinical and imaging findings of benign and malignant choroidal tumors. Current imaging modalities are not helpful in reliably differentiating the malignant features in suspicious choroidal lesions and often require long-term serial follow-up that places a significant burden on patients and providers. Recent studies have shown that melanin alternation in the choroid is correlated to the malignancy and metastasis potential in choroidal tumor patients. The main goal of my research is to develop a novel high-resolution, molecular-specific clinical ophthalmic imaging system to visualize and quantify the melanin contents in choroidal tumor. This research outcome will provide important diagnostic clues in the evaluation of choroidal tumors, facilitating early non-invasive identification of high-risk features of malignancy.
