The Research Challenge is an innovative approach to research training that bridges the gap between practice and research by empowering teams of nursing and allied health professionals to identify challenging clinical issues and find evidence-informed answers through research. We are currently funding 10 practice-based research projects lead by nurses, radiation therapists, dietitians, PET/CT Technologists, speech language pathologists, and genetic counsellors.
2021 Research Challenge Funded Projects
“Use of PRO-based multidisciplinary intervention in gynecologic oncology patients receiving active systemic therapy”. Sue Gill and Jann Stewart. Mentor: Dr. Jenny Ko.
This research examines the feasibility of implementing a systematic multidisciplinary intervention linked to routine use of the GCI-PRO questionnaire in BC Cancer Centres. The findings will help doctors, nurses and other health care professionals work together with and for the patients with women’s cancers by introducing simple questionnaires asking about symptoms and quality of life to patients and having the health care professionals address them in response.
“Direct contact”. Jennifer Nuk, Angela Bedard, Mary McCullum, and Melanie O'Loughlin. Mentor: Joyce Lee, PhD.
Drawing on the finding of qualitative interviews, this research study aims to improve the support that the Hereditary Cancer Program provide to patients so that they can share information about genetic testing with family members. This will facilitate that everyone who is eligible for genetic testing becomes aware.
“Supplemental email instructions for FDG PET/CT Scans: Investigating the impact on preparation compliance rates”. Nadine Colpo, Rebekah Bahr, and Alisa Kami. Mentor: Dr. Patrick Martineau.
The purpose of this research study is to assess the impact on preparation compliance rates by providing a supplemental email notification with instructions given to adult FDG PET/CT scan patients. The finding of this study will help to improve the compliance rate with scan preparation for optimal image quality and accurate scan interpretation.
“Understand the patients' experience with late radiation associated dysphagia effects”. Hilary Cochrane, Cara Miller, and Lisa Kuhn. Mentors: Stacey Skoretz, PhD and Camila Dawson, PhD.
Late radiation associated dysphagia (late RAD) challenges clinicians, as it can be progressive with limited treatment options, while having potentially significant impacts on survivors’ health and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to gain insight of the biopsychosocial impacts of this challenging condition to better guide care and further investigations.
“Radiation Therapists’ perspective on the impact of COVID-19 precautions in clinical practice”. Michal Stankiewicz, Anthony Maletta, Christopher Tan, and Omar Salman. Mentor: Dr. Robert Olson.
This study draws on data collected through a questionnaire that addresses the perspectives of Radiation Therapists (RT) in British Columbia in regards to COVID-19, with particular focus on work satisfaction, work environment and patient care delivery. The goal of this study is to provide a new perspective to management and potentially guide policies and procedures during future pandemics.
2019 Research Challenge Funded Projects
“Examining the experience of persons undergoing cancer treatment who observe other patients ring the milestone bell”. Dustin Mackay, Grace Cole, and Ava Hatcher. Mentor: Dr. Shannon Freeman & Dr. Davina Banner-Lukaris.
This qualitative study explores the experience of persons undergoing cancer treatment who observe other patients ring the milestone bell. Findings may raise awareness of positive or negative impacts associated with the bell, and inform future policies and practices related to the milestone bell.
“Evaluating patient practices of home-based cleaning techniques of enteral feeding equipment”. Caroline Pollock. Mentor: Cheri Van Patten.
Some patients wash and reuse enteral feeding equipment beyond manufacturer’s guidelines due to costs and environmental impacts of single-use plastic. This study evaluates the safety of current at home cleaning practices used by patients with respect to controlling bacterial growth. Findings will inform the development of evidenced-based guidelines that respond to patients’ needs and actual home practices.
“Nurse-Patient Interactions in the Genitourinary (GU) Oncology Ambulatory Clinic Setting”. Nikita Ivanov, Naureen Mukhi, Emma Hoag, Nicole Dyregrov, and Jen Rosychuk. Mentor: Dr. Sally Throne & Dr. Antony Porcino.
This qualitative research study aims to identify what the most beneficial nursing interactions are, as well as the timing in which those interaction are most meaningful to meeting patients individualized needs. The findings of this study can inform the development of a new nursing assessment tool that better incorporates a wider range of patient preferences.
“Pregnancy Associated Breast Cancer (PABC) in British Columbia: Patterns of Care and Outcomes”. Ellie Heo & Cecilia Kim. Mentor: Dr. Nafisha Lalani.
This research examines how pregnancy related breast cancer is different from non-pregnancy related breast cancer by looking at the timing and type of treatment and care patients received. It also compares the outcomes between the two different patients’ groups. The findings of this study will inform practice guidelines on the management and support of women diagnosed with PABC in BC.
“Standardizing bladder filling protocol and patient education material at BC Cancer”. Jenny Chang, Krisdeep Lally, and Jacquie Wong. Mentor: Dr. Fred Hsu.
At the Abbotsford centre, patients often have difficulties achieving a full bladder for CT and daily treatments, which leads to delayed treatment times, repeated scans, and emotional distress. This study evaluates the different bladder preparation protocols used throughout BC Cancer. The findings will inform the development and implementation of standardized bladder preparation protocol and patient education tools.