Completed as Co-Investigator
Safer Care for Older People in (residential) Environments (SCOPE)
Start/End Dates: 2016 - 2019
Investigators: Wagg AS (PI), Estabrooks CA (Co-PI), Andersen E, Anderson M, Anderson R, Baunbusch J, Berta WB, Clement F, Cranley L,Cummings GG, Dearing J, Doupe M, Ginsburg L, Holroyd-Leduc J, Keefe J, Knopp-Sihota J, Lanham H, McGregor M, Norton P, Profetto-McGrath J, Reid C, Senthilselvan S, Smith M, Squires J, Anderson C, Collins M, Dacombe Dewar L, Forbes H, Kozak-Campbell C, Lamont L, McKenzie I, Mansell L, McLeod D, Regier C, Risling E, Taylor D, Thompson G, Trinidad G, Schultz M
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $913,577
Description: SCOPE is a randomized controlled trial which examines the effect of a quality improvement (QI) intervention which empowers Care Aides to take the lead on improvement strategies within their nursing home. SCOPE also aims to improve quality of work life for staff, demonstrated by measures of work engagement, staff empowerment and job satisfaction.
For more information see the TREC website.
Improving Nursing Home Care through Feedback On PerfoRMance Data (INFORM)
Start/End Dates: 2015 - 2018
Investigators: Estabrooks C (PI); Wagg A (co-PI); Andersen E, Anderson R, Baumbusch J, Berta W, Doupe M, Keefe J, Cranley L, Cummings GG, Dearing J, Ginsburg L, Hoben M, McGregor M, Norton P, Lanham H, Profetto-McGrath J, Reid C, Senthilselvan A, Smith M, Squires J, Teare G, Thompson G; Anderson C, Anderson M, Bloemink K, Cook H, Collins M, Dacombe Dewar L, Davidson H, Klaasen K, Lamont L, Mansell L, McBain K, Regier C, Risling E, Schalm C, Taylor D, Trinidad G (KUs); Nicklin W, Schutz M (Collaborators).
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $756,827
Description: This project will evaluate a tailored intervention targeting the leaders of clinical microsystems (care units) in residential long term care (nursing home) settings. Our aims are to:
- Evaluate and compare three feedback strategies - a standard feedback strategy and two assisted and goal-directed feedback strategies;
- Assess the sustainability and possible longer term effects of each strategy; and
- Refine, based on the outcomes of this evaluation, a practical assisted feedback strategy for use in the nursing home sector that specifically targets the leaders of their clinical microsystems.
Finding an effective and affordable approach to performance feedback derived from research findings will advance the field significantly and improve our ability to offer strong return from applied health services research done in partnership with system stakeholders.
Advice Seeking Networks in Residential Long Term Care
Start/End Dates: 2014 - 2017
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI); Cook H, McLeod D (primary KUs); Baumbusch J, Doupe M, Keefe J, Wagg A (Co-PIs); Berta W, Cranley L, Cummings GG, Dearing J, Ginsburg L, Knopp-Sihota J, McGregor M, Norton P, Profetto-McGrath J, Reid C, Squires J, Teare G, Thompson G, Anderson C, Anderson M, Bloemink K, Boudreau D, Collins M, Dacombe Dewar L, Davidson H, Dill D, Forbes H, Lamont L, Mansell L, McBain K, Risling E, Schalm C, Taylor D, Trinidad G; (Collab): Compton G, Hall J, Hayduk L, Lai V, Leach T, MacDougall A, Maisey S, Nicklin W, Schutz M, Senthilselvan A, Sketris I, Waddleton D.
Funder: CIHR Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI), Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research, Alberta Innovates - Health Solutions, Research Manitoba. TREC 2.0 subgrant
Grant Amount: $615,000
Description: This network analysis of long term care includes a team of researchers and leaders in residential long term care from across Canada and the United States. It is the first of its kind in Canada. The team will use the survey information to create "social network maps". The maps describe the network (e.g., whether tightly or loosely connected) and identify key individuals in the sector. By identifying these key individuals network, interventions can be targeted at opinion leading individuals who can implement interventions to improve quality of resident care.
TREC 2.0 (Translating Research in Elder Care)
Start/End Dates: 2014 - 2017
Investigators: Estabrooks C, Norton P (Co-PIs); Baumbusch J, Berta W, Cummings GG, Doupe M, Ginsburg L, McLeod D, Reid C, Senthilselvan A, Squires J, Wagg A; Dearing J (Collab); Bloemink K, Cook H, Mansell L, Schalm C.
Funder: Manitoba Health; British Columbia: Interior Health Authority, Fraser Health Authority, Ministry of Health; CIHR Institute of Aging; Alberta Health Services; Alberta Health
Grant Amount: $9,800,800
Description: TREC 2.0 is a continuation of the TREC research programme and consists of 3 major research projects and a number of smaller system projects. The three major projects are TMS, SCOPE, and SNA:
- Trec Measurement System (TMS): This project is the main data gathering and management platform for the TREC program. It consists of 3 waves of data collection. Analysis of data collection is starting, and feedback of research results to participating facilities will take place this summer.
- Safer Care for Older Persons (in residential) Environments (SCOPE): This is a full intervention study of a very successful "proof of principle" project on translating knowledge in long term care homes.
- Advice Seeking Networks in Long Term Care (SNA): This is an analysis of informal advice seeking networks in long term care homes in Western, Northern, and Atlantic Canada.
The system projects are a series of smaller projects which allow for quick deliverables to the long term care sector. They are sector driven and outcome focused to improve system efficiency.
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Improving Cancer Pain and Symptom Management Through Knowledge Translation
Start/End Dates: 2013 - 2015
Investigators: Bryant-Lukosius D & Cummings GG (CoPIs), Carter N, Farrelly L, Fitch M, Forbes M, Green E, Greenberg A, Manii D, Martelli-Reid L, Molloy S, Pond G, Seow H, Smith A, Snider A, Watson L, Wiernikowski J.
Funder: CCSRI
Grant Amount: $100,000
Description: The study aims to promote the uptake of evidence-informed cancer pain and symptom management practices among healthcare providers in ambulatory cancer care settings through developing an improved understanding of effective knowledge translation (KT).
Role Stressors and Coping Strategies of Nurse Managers in Acute Care Facilities in Saskatchewan and Alberta
Start/End Dates: 2013 - 2016
Investigators: Udod S, Cummings GG, Care D.
Funder: SHRF Establishment Grant
Grant Amount $119,433
Description: The purpose of this study is to examine nurse managers' (NMs) role stressors and coping strategies in acute health care facilities in SK and AB, ultimately facilitating healthier work environments for NMs.
Hospital management models and hospital accreditation from the quality improvement perspective
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Start/End Dates:2012 - 2016 Investigators:Bernardes A, Silvia Gabriel C, Cummings GG, et al. Funder:Provost For Research, University of Sao Paulo, Brazil Grant Amount:$170,000 Description:In this study, the researchers attempt to understand the organizational structure of health facilities in Canada. This is complex due to ongoing managerial restructuring, in parallel with the development of the Canadian Health Systems. This study also studies the implementation of an accreditation program and seeks to identify the advancements and difficulties health teams have faced in these processes.
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Learning from Experience: Improving the Process of Internationally Educated Nurses' Applications for Registration
Start/End Dates: 2011 - 2016
Investigators: College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta (PI), Cummings GG, Mount Royal College
Funder: Health Canada
Grant Amount: $706,950
Description: The overall goal of the project is to improve the process of application for registration of internationally educated nurses (IENs), by making it more efficient while remaining committed to the principles of fairness, transparency and, above all, public safety.
Key Findings:
Knowledge Translation Canada: A CIHR Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research
Start/End Dates: 2009 - 2015
Investigators: Strauss S (PI), Grimshaw G, Cummings GG, Estabrooks CA, et al.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $1,778,626
Description: Knowledge translation (KT) research and enhanced capacity in this field are essential if we are to reap the benefits of health research, improve the health and quality of life of Canadians and enhance productivity. The CIHR defines knowledge translation as the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system. KT is about ensuring that decision-makers at all levels of the health system (consumers, patients, practitioners, managers and policy makers) are aware of, and can access and use research evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. With hospitals and community agencies, we have developed a multidisciplinary, collaborative Clinical Research Initiative (KT Canada) involving colleagues from 8 universities across Canada to identify and study solutions to ensure that Canadians have tools and skills necessary to achieve KT. This project aims to build on KT Canada to enhance capacity in KT. Although there is a growing need, presently Canada has no formal KT training program or institute. While some individual courses in KT exist, to date no coordinated effort exists to enhance training capacity.
Objectives: The objective of this STIHR proposal is to build on KT Canada to create an internationally-recognised national training initiative to enhance capacity in KT and KT research by:
- Providing excellent training centres and laboratories for trainees from various disciplines (including clinical epidemiology, health services research, social sciences, engineering, and health informatics amongst others) to develop skills in KT and KT research;
- Linking trainees and mentors to collaboratively advance the science and practice of KT; and,
- Partnering with other national and international research groups and decision-maker organisations to promote KT research and training of well-rounded trainees across a range of settings, clinical and health system issues.
New Graduate Nurse Retention: A National Study of Factors Influencing New Graduate Nurses' Job and Career Transition in the First Two Years of Practice
Start/End Dates: 2012 - 2015
Investigators: Laschinger H (PI), Wong CA, Cummings GG (Co-PI), MacPhee M, Regan S, Rheaume-Bruning A, Ritchie J, Wong C, Brunsdon-Clark B, Burkoski V, Grinspun D, Gurnham ME, Huckstep S, Jeffs L, Leiter M, Foster B.
Funder: CIHR-PHSI
Grant Amount: $528,284
Description: The purpose of this study is to describe new graduate nurses' worklife experiences in Canadian health care settings in the first two years and to examine predictors of job and career satisfaction and turnover intentions across time.
Key Findings:
Starting Out Colloquium Report 2015
Regional/National Clinical Research Initiatives: Knowledge Translation Canada: A National Research Network
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2015
Investigators: Grimshaw J (PI), Straus S, Haynes B, Laupacis A, Legare F, O'Connor A, Sales AE, Lavis J, Godin G, Majumdar S, Cummings GG, Estabrooks CA, et al.
Funder: CFI/CIHR Team Grant
Grant Amount: $12,000,000
Description: Citizens, healthcare systems and industry will only benefit from biomedical and clinical research if research findings are appropriately translated into healthcare policy and practice. However consistent evidence shows that health systems globally fail to optimally translate evidence with resulting inefficiencies, reduced quantity and quality of life for citizens and lost productivity. Knowledge Translation Canada, a national research network, will in partnership with Canadian hospitals and community agencies to identify and study solutions to ensure that Canadian decision-makers have the tools and skills necessary to achieve KT.
Objectives: The aims of the Network are to develop a transformative research program to improve the health of Canadians and to strengthen the Canadian healthcare system by:
- Creating new knowledge about how best to achieve KT across different decision-maker groups;
- Advancing the theory and methods of KT;
- Developing, testing, and commercialising tools and services aimed at sustaining KT; and
- Working with partners across the continuum of care to effect KT.
Subgrant: Enhancing Coaching and Leadership Competencies to Promote Knowledge Translation in Long-term Care
Home care case manager work: Understanding workload, caseloads and influencing factors and how these relate to quality of care in various home care contexts
Start/End Dates: 2013 - 2015
Investigators: Fraser K (PI), Cummings GG, Collister B, Liu L, Marck P, O-Rourke H, Swanson S.
Funder: CIHR Operating Grant
Grant Amount: $100,000
Description: The purpose of this study is to develop substantive theory on factors that influence case manager work, workload and caseload intensity in home care and its relation to quality of care and client and family outcomes in home care.
Sustainability of a Multidimensional Knowledge Translation Intervention to Improve Pediatric Pain Practices and Outcomes
Start/End Dates: 2011 - 2015
Investigators: Stevens BJ (PI), Estabrooks CA, Cummings GG, Scott S, Barwick M, Campbell F, Chambers C, Cohen J, Estabrooks CA, Finley GA, Harrison DM, Holsti L, Johnston C, Latimer MA, Lee SK, le May S, McGrath PJ, Rashotte JM, Rosmus CB, Sawatzky-Dickson D, Scott SD, Sidani S, Squires J, Stinson JN, Taddio A, Warnock FF, Willan AR, Yamada J.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $822,401
Description: The purpose of the proposed research is to conduct a randomized, multicentre study to determine the effectiveness of a pain practice booster in sustaining outcomes achieved in by a multidimensional knowledge translation (KT) intervention to improve procedural pain outcomes in children.
Translating Research in Elder Care
Start/End Dates: 2013 - 2014
Investigators: Estabrooks CA, (PI), (KUs): Anderson C, Bloemink K, Cook H, Davidson H, Forbes H, Harriman C, Knight C, Lamont, L, Mansell L, Regier C, Risling E, Schalm C, Taylor D, Trinidad G, (Co-Is): Baumbusch J, Berta W, Cranley L, Cummings G, Dearing J, Doupe M, Ginsburg L, Hayduk L, Karuza J, Katz P, Keefe J, McCabe C, McGregor M, Norton P, Profetto-McGrath J, Reid C, Senthilselvan A, Smith M, Squires J, Teare G, Thompson G, Wagg A.
Funder: CIHR Institute of Aging: Operating Grant Bridge Funding
Grant Amount: $200,000
Description: This bridge funding supported the ongoing activities of the TREC program of research. TREC investigates the impact of context (i.e., organizational setting and environmental factors) on the use of research knowledge in healthcare organizations. The subsequent impact of knowledge translation on health outcomes (and secondarily on provider and system outcomes) in long-term care facilities (nursing homes) in the three prairie provinces is also studied.
Informed Decision Making in Health Care: the Impact of Research Methods on Treatment Recommendations
Start/End Dates: 2011 - 2014
Investigators: Armijo-Olivo S, Cummings GG (supervisor).
Funder: CIHR Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Program
Grant Amount: $175,000
Formal Leaders' Responses to the New Provincial Patient-Based Funding Model: An exploration of innovations, facilitators, barriers, and outcomes in Ontario
Start/End Dates: 2013
Investigators: Baxter P (PI), Cummings GG, Alvarado K, Kennedy D, McKay C.
Funder: OHHRRN Planning Grant
Grant Amount: $14,995
Description: Examining perspectives of healthcare leaders on the benefits and challenges of implementing Patient Based Funding in Ontario.
Health Care Organization Leaders' Responses to Patient Based Funding
Start/End Dates: 2012 - 2013
Investigators: Baxter P, Cummings GG, et al.
Funder: CIHR Planning Grants - Priority Announcement Health Services and Policy Research
Grant Amount: $22,664
Description: Examining perspectives of healthcare leaders on the benefits and challenges of implementing Patient Based Funding in Ontario.
A Novel Tool for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Emergency Department.
Start/End Dates: 2012 - 2013
Investigators: Holroyd BR, Rowe BH, Cummings GE, Cummings GG, et al.
Funder: CIHR Catalyst Grant
Grant Amount: $99,805
Description: Development and testing of data collection instrument.
Advancing Theoretical and Methodological Innovations in Health Research: Measuring Organizational Context: Advanced Psychometric Assessment of the Alberta Context Tool
Start/End Dates: 2010 - 2012
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI), Norton PG, Cummings GG, Hayduk LA, Squires J.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $195,827
Aging grant. Facilitating spread and sustainability in long term care facilities
Start/End Dates: 2011-2012
Investigators: Estabrooks CA, Cranley LA, Norton P, Cummings GG, McLeod D, Regier C
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $10,000
Health Informatics in Baccalaureate Nursing Education: Effectiveness of Lecture vs. Online Learning Approaches
Start/End Dates: 2011-2012
Investigators: Olson K, Kleib M, Cummings GG, Sales A, Hayward R
Funder: TLEF
Grant Amount: $17,538
Description: To evaluate two strategies for delivering health informatics education to undergraduate nursing students using a randomized crossover design. The project is based on a pilot study completed during the Fall of 2010 academic term.
Safer Care for Older Persons in Residential Environments (SCOPE)
Start/End Dates: 2010 - 2012
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI), Norton PG, Cummings GG, Cranley L.
Funder: Health Canada
Grant Amount: $750,000
Description: The work of this project will extend the existing research program, Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) (www.trecresearch.ca) and will run parallel to it. We will adapt an acute care model of quality and safety improvement at the bedside involving healthcare aides and evaluate the model. This is an applied research program to enhance front line staff engagement in a sample of nursing homes in Canada. The project will involve a total of eight nursing homes inBritish Columbia (BC) and Alberta (AB). The project will aim to engage unregulated direct caregivers (healthcare aides) in quality improvement at the bedside. If the model proves to be feasible and effective then it will be necessary to implement strategies to facilitate the sustainability and spread of the model to other jurisdictions in Canada.
Objectives:
- Improve the safety and quality of care to frail elderly Canadians living in nursing homes; and
- Improve the quality of work life for the direct caregivers of these elderly Canadians.
Publications:
Cranley LA, Norton PG, Cummings GG, Barnard D, Estabrooks CA. (2011). SCOPE: Safer care for older persons (in residential) environments: A study protocol. Implementation Science. 6:71
Translating Research on Pain in Children (TROPIC)
Start/End Dates: 2006 - 2012
Investigators: Stevens B (PI),Lee S, Estabrooks CA, Barwick M, Campbell F, Chambers C, Cummings GG, Finley A, Johnston C, Kavanagh P, Latimer M, LeMay S, McGrath P, Rachette J, Scott-Findlay S, Stremler R, Stinson J, Synnes A, Willan A, Yamada J.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $4,054,611 and $1,379,952
Website: CIHR Team in Children's Pain - www.childrenspainstudy.ca
Description: The CIHR Team in Children's Pain study is an innovative organizational knowledge transfer program of research that will facilitate practitioners' pain research use, inform clinical, administrative & policy decision-making, and ultimately promote improved quality of life in infants and children.
The CIHR Team in Children's Pain is a multidisciplinary research team from nursing, medicine, psychology, and pharmacy with clinical and research expertise in pediatric pain, research utilization, evidence-based practice, quality assurance, and multiple research methods. The team will conduct a novel, integrative, theoretically-based program of 3 research projects. The three projects are based on the interplay of the key constructs articulated in Kitson's research utilization model: evidence (Project 1); context (Project 2); and facilitation (Project 3). All 3 Projects will be conducted on 32 medical and surgical units at 8 Canadian Pediatric Health Care Institutions.
Objectives:
- Develop a Canadian Pediatric Pain Research Database to determine current pain practice in children,
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Evaluate the influence of organizational context on clinical and process pain outcomes; and
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Assess an interactive interventions for increasing translation of pediatric pain research into practice with usual care.
Publications:
Stevens BJ, Harrison D, et al. CIHR Team in Children's Pain (2012). Pain Assessment and Intensity in Hospitalized Children in Canada. The Journal of Pain 13(9) 857-865
Stevens B, et al. (2011). Epidemiology and management of painful procedures in hospitalized children across Canada. Canadian Medical Association Journal. CMAJ. DOI:10.1503/cmaj.101341 [Dr. Greta Cummings is a co-investigator in the CIHR Team in Children's Pain].
Cummings GG, Hutchinson AM, Scott SD, Norton PG., Estabrooks CA. (2010). The relationship between characteristics of context and research utilization in a pediatric setting. BMC Health Services Research. 10:168.
Yamada J, Stevens B, Sidani S, Watt-Watson, CIHR Team in Children's Pain. (2010). Content Validity of a Process Evaluation Checklist to Measure Intervention Implementation Fidelity. Worldviews of Evidence Based Nursing. DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-6787.2010.00182
Yamada, J., Stinson, J., Lamba, J., McGrath, P.J., Stevens, B. (2008). A review of systematic reviews on pain intervention in hospitalized infants. Pain Research and Management, 13(5), 413-420 [produced with input from the CIHR Team in Children's Pain of which Dr. Greta Cummings is a co-investigator].
Stinson J, Yamada J, Dickson A, Lamba J, Stevens B, CIHR Team in Children's Pain. (2008). Review of systematic reviews on acute procedural pain in children in the hospital setting. Pain Research and Management, 13(1); 51-57.
Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC)
Start/End Dates: 2007 - 2012
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI). Cummings GG, Degner LF, Dopson S, Laschinger H, McGilton K, Morgan D, Norton P, Profetto-McGrath J, Rycroft-Malone J, Sales A, Smith M, Stewart N, Teare G.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $4,700,000
Website: www.trecresearch.ca
Description: Translating Research in Elder Care is a complex multi-disciplinary, multi-site five year program which is part of a long-term investigation into the determinants and processes of using research knowledge in healthcare organizations. The purpose of this proposed five year program of research is to address the impact of context (i.e., organizational setting and environmental factors) on knowledge translation and the subsequent impact of knowledge translation on health outcomes (and secondarily on provider and system outcomes) in long-term care facilities (nursing homes) in the three prairie provinces.
Objectives:
- To build knowledge translation theory about the role of context in influencing knowledge use in long-term care settings and among non-professional care givers by:
1.1. Developing an organizational monitoring system to profile context in long-term care facilities
1.2. Collecting in-depth organizational data including process change over time
1.3. Assessing the effect of context on the extent of implementation of an intervention over time and the reciprocal effect of implementing the intervention on context over time
2. To pilot innovative knowledge translation interventions
3. To contribute to enhanced use of new knowledge in long-term care
Publications:
Hutchinson AM, Batra-Garga N, Cranley LA, Bostrom AM, Cummings GG, Norton PA, Estabrooks CA. (2012). Feedback reporting of survey data to healthcare aides. Implementation Science. 2012, 7:89 doi:10.1186/1748-5908-7-89
Estabrooks CA, Squires JE, Hutchinson A, Scott S, Cummings GG, Kang SH, Midodzi WK, Stevens B. (2011). Assessment of variation in the Alberta Context Tool: The contribution of unit level contextual factors and specialty in Canadian pediatric acute care settings. BMC Health Services Research. 11:251.
Estabrooks CA, Morgan DG, Squires JE, Boström AM, Slaughter S, Cummings GG, Norton PG. (2011). The care unit in nursing home research: Evidence in support of a definition. BMC Medical Research Methodology. 11: 46.
Estabrooks CA, Squires JE, Cummings GG, Birdsell JM, Norton PG. (2009). Development and assessment of the Alberta Context Tool. BMC Health Services Research, 9:234. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-9-234.
Estabrooks CA, Hutchinson AM, Squires JE, Birdsell J, Degner L, Sales AE, Cummings GG, Morgan D, Norton PG. (2009). Translating research in elder care: an introduction to a study protocol series, Implementation Science. 4(51) doi:10.1186/1748-5908-4-51
Estabrooks CA, Squires JE, Cummings GG, Teare G, Norton PG. (2009). Study protocol for the translating research in elder care (TREC): Building context - an organizational monitoring program in long-term care project, Implementation Science. 4(52) doi:10.1186/1748-5908-4-52
Subgrant: TREC Alberta Lead Investigator
Investigator: Cummings, GG (PI)
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $448, 105
Subgrant: Becoming a Coach: A Leadership Workshop for Long-term Care Managers
Investigators: Cummings, GG (PI), Laschinger H
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount: $50,000
Description: The purpose of this pilot project was to examine in-depth the experience of long-term care managers in becoming coaches of their staff's performance, and its subsequent influence on provider skills and research use and the potential for influencing resident outcomes. This was accomplished by implementing a Coaching for Impressive Care workshop in a long-term care setting with front-line patient care managers.
Objectives:
- Identify opportunities for managers to coach staff performance development in long-term care facilities.
- Understand managers' experiences in developing coaching skills.
- Examine opportunities where managers have used Coaching for Impressive Care skills in practice following the workshop.
- Define ongoing objectives and a full research proposal for an operating grant to examine the effectiveness of this coaching intervention in facilitating information/knowledge to practice.
Review, Synthesis and Concept Analysis of Literature Examining Attributes of Organizational Context that may Impact Knowledge Translation in Healthcare
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2010
Investigators: Estabrooks, C. (PI). Cummings GG (Co-PI), Hutchinson, A., Mallidou, A
Funder: CIHR-KT Synthesis Grant
Grant Amount: $100,000
Description: Knowledge Transfer (KT) scholars have highlighted the central importance of incorporating research findings into practice. Despite the availability of increasing quantities of relevant clinical and health services research, the utilization of widely known and accepted research findings has not occurred in an organized or timely manner. Research conducted provides preliminary evidence that selected organizational variables are important for KT. Increasingly, others have also noted that organizational context plays a key role in successful KT. In this review we will assimilate and extend on previous bodies of work that have examined the influence of organizational determinants on KT.
Objectives: The purpose of this review is to identify a core set of organizational determinants of knowledge translation (KT) that is applicable at multiple levels - organization, program, unit, and/or sub-unit. Specific objectives are to:
- Systematically review theoretical and empirical literature to identify and define a core set of organizational constructs that have the potential to influence KT in healthcare settings.
- Conceptually analyze the constructs identified in objective
- Examine the strength of the evidence of the effects of organizational constructs on KT.
Towards Patient-Centered Addiction Care in Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Urban Population
Start/End Dates: 2009 - 2011
Investigators: Salvalaggio G (PI), Dong K. (Co-PI), Cummings GG, Wild C, et al.
Funder: AHFMR
Grant Amount: $145,120
Description: Substance abuse is a chronic illness which affects a large number of Canadians either directly or indirectly. The prevalence of addiction and its health and social consequences are even greater among urban populations occupying a low socioeconomic position (SEP). By doing a thorough search of the existing literature, we will determine the best way to identify and provide early intervention for those patients with addiction issues living in poverty. We will examine the key factors in building and maintaining trusting relationships with physicians and provide patients with the tools they need to get the right help at the right time, when they need it. Developing a summary of what we have learned and sharing our results and teaching materials with other people will help other people learn from what we have done so that we can work together in improving the care of people suffering from addictions.
Objectives:
- Facilitate the uptake of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral for Treatment (SBIRT)and motivational interviewing skills in primary care physicians and residents;
- Improve provider rapport with the low SEP patient suffering from addiction
- Orient the addicted low-SEP patient to the healthcare system.
Nurses' Career Aspirations to Management Roles: Identifying the Next Generation of Nursing Leaders
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2011
Investigators: Laschinger H. (PI). Wong C, Cummings GG,Leiter M, Ritchie J, D'Amour D, MacPhee M, O'Brien-Pallas LL, Wilk P, Almost J, Purdy, N
Funder: CIHR-PHSI
Grant Amount: $678,150
Description: This study investigates personal and situational factors that influence direct care nurses' interests in assuming management roles within their careers, the reasons for their interest or lack of interest in assuming these roles, and learning needs relevant for preparation for these roles as the group that represents the future of nursing leadership in Canada. The results of the Canadian Nursing Leadership Study (Laschinger & Wong et al., 2007) revealed that the average age of nurse managers across the country was over 50 years of age, raising serious concerns about a nursing leadership shortage in the next 5-10 years.
Objectives: To obtain information and qualitative data through focus groups and surveys that investigate factors influencing direct care nurses' career aspirations to management roles within today's complex healthcare settings.
Publications:
Wong, CA, Laschinger HK, MacDonald Rencz S, Burkoski V, Cummings GG et al. (2012). Nurses' career aspirations to management roles: Qualitative findings from a national study of Canadian nurses. Journal of Nursing Management. 25 OCT 2012 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01451.x
Laschinger HK, Wong, CA, MacDonald Rencz S, Burkoski V, Cummings GG et al. (2012). Nurses' career aspirations to management roles: Preliminary findings from a national survey of Canadian nurses. Journal of Nursing Management. 25 OCT 2012 | DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2834.2012.01452.x
Strengthening Nurses' Capacity in HIV Policy Development in sub-Saharan Africa and Caribbean
Start/End Dates: 2007 - 2011
Investigators: Edwards N (PI), Kaseje D, Kahwa E, Webber J, Mill J, Walusimbi M, Crawford A, Frances-Howard M, Klopper H, Atieno P, Hepburn-Brown C, Cummings GG, Legault F, Roelofs S, Groft J, Tourangeau A et al.
Funder: IDRC, Teasdale-Corti Grant
Grant Amount: $1,571,018
Description: Researchers and decision-makers from two regions with the highest prevalence of HIV in the world, sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, South Africa, and Uganda) and the Caribbean (Jamaica and Barbados) will join a collaborative effort with Canadian colleagues to undertake innovative, multi-country comparative studies and capacity-building strategies to redress this gap.
Objectives: The goal of this project is to contribute to health systems strengthening in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean by improving the quality of HIV and AIDS nursing care, supporting the scaling-up of innovative HIV and AIDS programs and practices, and fostering dynamic and sustained engagement of researchers and research users in the policy development process.
The programmatic research objectives are to:
- examine the dynamic interplay of multi-level factors that influence nurses' engagement in strengthening healthcare systems for HIV and AIDS in lower and middle income countries (LMICs), and
- to determine the impact of leadership hubs and a participatory action research process on nursing care and workplace polices for HIV and AIDS.
The capacity-building and knowledge translation objectives include:
- To promote on-going, long-term, interactive dialogue and collaboration among front-line nurses and managers, researchers, decision makers including physicians, and community representatives on HIV and AIDS research, health services programs and policies;
- To strengthen the capacity of selected academic institutions and research-user groups to support and participate in nurse-led research that is highly relevant to health services and policy decision-makers;
- To integrate best practices for knowledge translation into the work of nurses in senior academic, clinical, government and non-governmental organization (NGO) positions; and,
- To implement a mentorship program that supports nurses to do and use research in response to key policy issues related to the provision of HIV and AIDS services.
A Systematic Review of the Literature Examining Facilitation as a Key Influence on the Knowledge Translation
Start/End Dates: 2009 - 2010
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI), Cranley L, Profetto-McGrath J, Clark C, Cummings GG
Funder: CIHR-KT Synthesis Grant
Grant Amount: $100,000
Description: The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize the current state of knowledge of attributes of facilitation that influence knowledge translation. Knowledge translation scholars have described the potential for evidence-based decision making to have a positive impact on patient outcomes. Facilitation is a technique or strategy used by an individual(s) to assist and enable others through the process of implementing research into practice. There is considerable confusion and overlap in the literature on facilitation and how facilitation influences knowledge translation. This proposed systematic review will provide researchers and decision-makers the evidence base needed to develop measures of facilitation and to design and test facilitative interventions that will lead to successful research use.
Objectives: The purpose of this project is to conduct a systematic review of the construct of facilitation as an influence on knowledge translation. Our specific objectives are to:
- Identify and define attributes of facilitation that influence knowledge translation in healthcare settings.
- Examine the strength of the evidence for the effects of facilitation on knowledge translation.
A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Daily Mouth Care for Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities
Start/End Dates: 2009 - 2010
Investigators: Cobban SJ. (PI), Estabrooks CA, Cummings GG, Clovis J, Hayduk L
Funder: CFDHRE
Grant Amount: $7,000
Description: Healthcare aides face numerous challenges in delivery of mouthcare, and require support from nurses and dental hygienists to increase their skill and comfort levels, particularly when providing oral care for residents with dementia. Challenges faced by healthcare aides include resistive behaviours, absence of necessary supplies, fear or discomfort with providing oral care, lack of confidence in their levels of knowledge especially relating to managing resistive behaviours, and lack of time and lack of staff.
Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the research evidence for the effectiveness of various interventions targeted at improving oral health status of elderly residents in long-term care facilities, with a specific focus on interventions that improve daily mouth care that are or can be provided by healthcare aides.
Feedback Reports for Healthcare Aides
Start/End Dates: 2009 - 2010
Investigators: Estabrooks CA (PI),Cummings GG, Hutchison A.
Funder: AHFMR
Grant Amount: $10,000
Description: This project will evaluate a knowledge translation (KT) intervention, namely feedback reports, in a sample of the Alberta nursing homes that are participating in the TREC research program. The intervention will provide feedback to healthcare aides (HCAs) about select results from the quantitative data generated by the TREC survey during year one of the project (which was completed on July 15, 2009).
Objectives:
- Enhance HCAs' knowledge of perceptions of their work context and their use of best practices; and
- Increase the likelihood that HCAs will complete future (annual) waves of the survey
This study will determine the most feasible, understandable, usable and useful method of providing feedback reports of survey data to HCAs working in LTC in Alberta.
A Systematic Review of Reviews on Instruments Measuring Quality of Life for Older Adults with Dementia
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2010
Investigators: Estabrooks CA, Bostrum AM, Kolewaski B, Cummings GG
Funder: Canadian Dementia Knowledge Translation Network/ Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Grant Amount: $30,000
Description: With steady rise in our aging population, providing care for older persons has become an increasingly important topic as demands on healthcare services required in diverse care settings increase as well. Several reports at the national and provincial levels describe a sub-optimal quality of care for residents of nursing homes. In nursing homes, quality of care is not just about achieving good clinical care and good physical and mental health outcomes, as in the case of clinical outcomes for patients in hospitals. Older persons living in nursing homes are not patients - they are residents, people who will live out their lives in these homes. The presence of dementia poses serious challenges to measuring the experiences of nursing home residents, particularly their experiences relating to quality of life.
Objectives: The purpose of this project is to conduct a systematic review on instruments measuring Quality of Life (QOL) among older persons with dementia in order to find meaningful and stable outcome measures for knowledge translation intervention studies. Our specific objectives are to:
- Identify instruments used to measure QOL among older persons with dementiareceiving continuing care services.
- Assess how these QOL instruments have been used (i.e., care planning tool, quality improvement and outcome measure in research).
- Assess to what extent conceptual frameworks and theories are used to guide the development of these QOL instruments.
- Assess the psychometric properties (reliability, validity, and responsiveness) of these QOL instruments.
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Assess (a) the settings (countries and care settings), and populations (age, gender and severity of disease) in which these QOL instruments have been developed and used, and (b) the stability of the psychometric properties of these instruments across settings and populations.
Understanding Determinants of Clinical Nurses' Intentions to Remain Employed in Canadian Hospitals
Start/End Dates: 2006 - 2010
Investigators: Tourangeau A (PI).Cummings GG, Cranley L.
Funder: CIHR
Grant Amount : $557,842
Description: Safe and effective healthcare is dependent on an adequate supply of qualified nursing personnel; however, the global shortage of nurses is reaching a critical level and many nurses continue to leave their workplaces before the normal age of retirement. One strategy to minimize the impact of this shortfall is to encourage nurses to remain employed in their jobs until the normal age of retirement. Exactly how this can be achieved is not well understood.
Objectives:
- Develop and test theory that strengthens our understanding of those factors that influence acute care hospital nurses' intentions to remain employed.
- Identify realistic strategies to strengthen nurses' intentions to remain employed at various life and career stages, for those working in various clinical settings, and for those working in various types of acute hospitals.
Publications:
Tourangeau AE, Cummings GG, Cranley LA, Ferron EM, & Harvey S. (2010). Determinants of hospital nurse intention to remain employed: Broadening our understanding. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 66(1), 22-32.
CIHR Team in Difficult Cancer Pain Problems: A multidisciplinary cancer pain research network to improve the classification, assessment, and management of difficult cancer pain problems
Start/End Dates: 2004 - 2010
Investigators: Hagen NA (PI).Brasher P, Cahill R, Fainsinger R, Cohen R, Cummings GG, Moulin D, Pereira J. et al
Funder: CIHR Net Grant
Grant Amount: $1,363,586
Description: Pain directly related to cancer or caused by treatments for cancer is a highly prevalent clinical problem which supports the need for a systematic, disciplined approach to cancer pain assessment and management. To date, there is no universally accepted cancer pain classification system (with standard and validated operational definitions) that can accurately predict and guide pain management, particularly for patients with pain that is difficult to treat. A standardized taxonomy to classify cancer pain would also greatly assist progress in pain management research. There remains a need for newer analgesics to better manage difficult cancer pain problems; the paucity of published clinical trials for difficult pain problems, such as breakthrough pain, is striking.
Objectives: We are proposing an innovative national strategy that will include three key areas of priority that are critical for advancing the classification, assessment and management of difficult cancer pain problems:
- Research: To Organize and Conduct Multicentre Research at a National Level
- Education: To Develop a Multidisciplinary Graduate Training Model for Cancer Pain Research
- Data Management and Information Dissemination: To create a national database for cancer pain
Publications:
Hagen NA, Stiles CR, Biondo PD, Cummings GG, Fainsinger R, Moulin D, Pereira J. (2011). Establishing a multicentre clinical research network: lessons learned. Current Oncology. 18:e243-e249.
Cummings GG, Armijo Olivo S, Biondo P, Stiles C, Yurtseven O, Fainsinger R, Hagen NA.(2011). Effectiveness of knowledge translation interventions to improve cancer pain management (Review). Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. 41(5): 915-939.
Cummings GG, Biondo PD, Campbell D, Fainsinger R, Stiles C, Muise M, Hagen NA. (2011). Can the global uptake of palliative care innovations be improved? Insights from a bibliometric analysis of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS). Palliative Medicine. 25(1):71-82.
Stiles CR, Biondo PD, Cummings G, Hagen NA. (2010). Clinical trials focusing on cancer pain educational interventions: core components to include during planning and reporting. Journal of Pain & Symptom Management. 40(2):601-609.
Cummings GG, Hagen NA, Fainsinger R, Armijo Olivo S, Stiles C, Biondo P. (2008). Effectiveness of knowledge translation interventions to improve cancer pain management (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007499. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD00749
Cummings GG, Hagen NA, Fainsinger R, Stiles C, Armijo-Olivo S, Chizawsky L, Connors A, Biondo P. (2008). Effectiveness of Knowledge Translation Interventions to Improve Cancer Pain Management: A Systematic Review. Palliative Medicine. 22: p. 424.
Cummings GG, Hagen NA, Fainsinger R, Stiles C, Biondo P. (2008). Bibliometric Review (Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale). Palliative Medicine. 22: p. 552.
Nursing Outcomes Database Knowledge Synthesis
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2009
Investigators: Sales AE, Cummings GG, Doran D, Estabrooks CA, Yi-Fang Li Y, Besner J, Giblin C
Funder: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Grant Amount: $100,000
Description: Most healthcare systems, databases for assessing inputs to provision of care have not included much information on nursing factors. Without databases, decision-makers and researchers encounter several obstacles, for instance when they assess the relationship between nursing staff and patient outcomes. Even though databases may vary, they are nonetheless including measures on important concepts of nursing outcomes and problems. There are few published papers reporting on the relationship between nursing factors and patient outcomes using data from sources.
Objectives:
- Conduct a thorough and exhaustive review of the published and the grey literature describing nursing outcomes databases (NODs), empirical research using NODs data, and information about use of these databases to influence patient care and outcomes for patients, providers and healthcare systems
- Synthesize the available evidence of the effect of NODs on patient outcomes:
- Make recommendations to decision-makers about use of resources such as NODs in patient care delivery.
The Influence of Authentic Leadership on Trust and Work Outcomes of Registered Nurses
Start/End Dates: 2008 - 2009
Investigators: Wong C. (PI), Laschinger H, Cummings GG
Funder: University of Western Ontario
Grant Amount: $7,702
Description: A key element of a healthy work environment is trust between nurses and their managers. With the restructuring and reengineering changes of the 1990's and a continuing focus on constrained resources, nurses' trust in their leaders and their organizations has been weakened. Authentic leadership has been proposed as the root element of effective leadership needed to build trust and healthier work environments because of special attention on the positive role modeling of honesty, integrity and high ethicsal standards in the development of leader-follower relationships. Specifically, this study will examine the influence authentic leadership and trustworthiness of nurse managers on followers' trust in their manager and other workplace attitudes and subsequent effects on work outcomes, including speaking -up behavior, job satisfactions, role performance, and perceived quality of care.
Objectives:
- Examine the influence of authentic leadership (AL) behaviours of managers on staff nurse workplace attitudes (trust in manager, empowerment, and communication satisfaction) and perceived quality of work life, and subsequently work outcomes (work engagement, role performance, voice (speaking up) behavior, job satisfaction and perceived quality of care).
- Analyze relationships among managers' AL behaviours and staff nurse workplace attitudes (trust in manager, empowerment, and communication satisfaction), perceived quality of worklife and work outcomes (work engagement, role performance, voice behaviour, job satisfaction and perceived quality of care)
Publications:
Wong CA, Laschinger HK, Cummings GG. (2010). Authentic Leadership and Nurses' Voice Behaviour and Perceptions of Care Quality. Journal of Nursing Management, 18(8), 889-900.
Utilization of Health Research in Acute Care Settings in Alberta
Start/End Dates: 2005 - 2007
Investigators: Estabrooks CA. (PI). Norton P, Cummings GG, Newton M, Birdsell J, Trimbee A, Lahey M, Eagle C
Funder: Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research
Grant Amount: $150,000
Description: We continue to read reports documenting how the organization of health services influences patient and system outcomes such as lower mortality rates, reduced patient complications, increased patient safety, and fewer readmissions to acute care facilities. To state that improving care improves patient and system outcomes is obvious. What are less obvious however, are the mechanisms by which this is accomplished. Our research team believes that one important approach to improving care is to increase the use of research at both the point of care delivery (i.e., by providers) and among front line, middle and senior decision-makers. To this end, we have undertaken a program of research to address this approach to the delivery of healthcare services.
Objectives:
- Identify and classify research users in the healthcare system
- Fine-tune and verify a survey that measures research utilization behaviours and organizational variables relevant to research use
- Determine any differences in research use among different occupational groups of research users
- Assess the influence of organizational factors on research use in these different user groups.
Publications:
Estabrooks CA, Squires JE, Cummings GG, Birdsell JM, Norton PG. (2009). Development and assessment of the Alberta Context Tool. BMC Health Services Research, 9:234. doi:10.1186/1472-6963-9-234.
Estabrooks CA, Norton P, Cummings GG, Newton M, Birdsell J, Trimbee A, Lahey M, Eagle C. (2008). Utilization of health research in acute care settings in Alberta: AKUTE.
Understanding the Factors that Influence Recruitment and Retention of Oncology Nurses
Start/End Dates: 2004 - 2006
Investigators: Bakker D, Fitch M (co-PIs). Green E, Butler L, Olson K, Cummings GG, Conlon M
Funder: Canadian Health Services Research Foundation
Grant Amount: $250,000
Description: Recruitment and retention of nurses is a serious problem confronting decision makers who are responsible for patient care and human resource management. To date, research efforts examining the nursing workforce have focused mainly on nurses as a collective group and little attention has been paid to nursing specialties such as oncology nursing. However, it is imperative for decision- makers to gain a better understanding of what attracts nurses to oncology in the first place, what workplace and professional practice factors influence their continued employment, and how to improve the working lives of oncology nurses.
Objectives:
- Examine the impact of workforce, professional practice and knowledge transition factors on the quality of oncology nurses' working lives
- Determine strategies that strengthen oncology practice environments and reflect innovative and collaborative professional practice conducive to building a sustainable and high quality nursing workforce.
Publications:
Bakker D, Butler L, Fitch M, Green E, Olson K, Cummings GG. (2010). Canadian Cancer Nurses' Views on Recruitment & Retention. Journal of Nursing Management. 18, 205-214.
Bakker D, Conlon M, Fitch M, Green E, Butler L, Olson K, Cummings GG. (2010). Canadian Oncology Nurse Work Environments. Canadian Journal of Nursing Leadership. 22(4): 50-68.
Cummings GG, Olson K, Hayduk L, Bakker D, Fitch, Green E, Butler L, Conlon M. (2008). The relationship between nursing leadership and nurses' job satisfaction in Canadian oncology work environments. Journal of Nursing Management. 16, 508-518.
Bakker D, Fitch M, Green E, Butler L, Olson K, Cummings GG, Conlon M (2007). Addressing Recruitment and Retention of Cancer Nurses in Canada. International Cancer Nursing News. 20(4): 10.
Cummings GG, Green E, McAndrew A (2006). Workforce Issues in Oncology Nursing. International Cancer Nursing News. 18(4): 10.
Bakker D, Fitch M, Green E, Butler L, Olson K, Cummings GG, Conlon M. (2006). Final Report: Understanding the Factors the Influence Recruitment and Retention of Oncology Nurses, #FRN-74001, Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Partnerships for Health System Improvement Program.
Canada's Experience Translating Quality Workplace Knowledge in Cancer Settings
Start/End Dates: 2004 - 2006
Investigators: Fitch M (PI), Cummings GG, Degner L, Estabrooks CA, McLennan M, Stevenson L, Green E, Saucier A, Baker P
Funder: Health Canada
Grant Amount: $300,000
Description: Improving the work lives of nurses has been identified as a key focus recent research in order to address the predicted nursing shortage across Canada. Significant effort has been devoted to summarizing the current knowledge regarding strategies to implement quality workplaces. However, two significant questions need to be answered: a) have these vehicles of knowledge transfer been effective and b) have policymakers been able to act on the recommendations in the reports?
Objectives:
- Examine on a national scale the awareness and use of four recent Canadian policy documents (as referenced by the RFO-015 and listed in Appendix A) by decision-makers in oncology organizations
- Identify the sources of information used in quality workplace strategies which are being considered or have been implemented
- Determine factors in oncology work settings which have facilitated or hindered quality workplace initiatives
- Learn about initiatives that did or did not work well, and to generate recommendations for further actions.
Publications:
Fitch M (PI), Cummings GG, Degner L, Estabrooks CA, McLennan M, Stevenson L, Green E, Saucier A, Baker P. (2006). Canada's Experience Translating Quality Workplace Knowledge in Cancer Settings, Health Canada.