Current Projects
Evaluating the role of patient navigators across the continuum to improve seniors' care and experience
Principal Investigators: Dr. Sander Hitzig, Dr. Sara Guilcher
Partners: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, SPRINT Senior Care
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate a patient navigator project for older adults with complex care needs. To accomplish this goal, we will evaluate the healthcare utilization patterns of older adults supported by a patient navigator and compare their outcomes to an age, sex- and comorbidity-matched cohort of patients who have not been supported by a navigator. As well, we will use qualitative interviews to explore the perspectives of patients, family members, providers, and decision-makers on the perceived impact of the navigator program on patients’ health and wellbeing.
Funder: Slaight Family Foundation
Post-doctoral Fellow: Dr. Grace Liu
Developing a Patient Reported Outcome Measure on Medication-related Quality of Life for Persons with Mobility Limitations
Principal Investigators: Dr. Sara Guilcher, Dr. Sander Hitzig, Dr. Diana Zidarov
Co-Investigators: Ms. Anita Kaiser, Dr. Lisa McCarthy, Dr. Aisha Lofters, Dr. James Milligan, Dr. Colleen O’Connell, Dr. Crystal MacKay, Ms. Stephanie Cimino, Ms. Lauren Cadel
The purpose of this research study is to develop a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) that assesses medication-related quality of life (QoL) for persons with mobility limitations (PROM-mQoL). We will be conducting item generation as the first step in developing the PROM. In order to get a better understanding of what matters to people with mobility limitations about their medications in everyday life, we will conduct concept mapping sessions (brainstorming, sorting and rating and mapping) and qualitative interviews. These sessions and interviews will help guide potential items for the PROM.
Funder: Canadian Institutes for Health Research
Research Staff: Lauren Cadel, Amanda Everall
DevelOPment and evaluaTion of a toolkIt to iMprove medicAtion self-management for persons with spinaL cord injury
Principal Investigator: Dr. Sara Guilcher
Co-Investigators: Dr. Sander Hitzig, Dr. Shoshana Hahn-Goldberg, Dr. Chester Ho, Dr. Aisha Lofters, Dr. Lisa McCarthy, Dr. Tanya Packer, Dr. Tejal Patel, Ms. Stephanie Cimino
The purpose of this research study is to co-create a toolkit intervention to support persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) with medication self-management. Over the course of this project, we will design, test, and evaluate the toolkit intervention. In the first phase of the project, we will use concept mapping to explore what would help persons with SCI manage their medications in their everyday life and co-create a preliminary toolkit. In the second phase, we will conduct interviews to gain insights on the toolkit, specific to the language used, comprehensibility of the content, the delivery of the information, and the overall design. In the final phase, we will implement and evaluate the toolkit.
Funder: Craig H Neilsen Foundation
PhD Student: Lauren Cadel
Alternate level of care: Assessing the state of the evidence
Principal Investigators: Dr. Kerry Kuluski and Dr. Sara Guilcher
Co-Investigators: Tara Kiran, Jason Sutherland
This study is using a multi-method and an integrated knowledge translation approach across the three phases to gather and synthesize evidence related to alternate level of care (ALC) best practices and document a set of recommendations and strategies to be tested in a future study. The first phase involves conducting an international scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify evidence on ALC initiatives, strategies and outcomes. The second phase involves conducting one-to-one interviews with key stakeholders (providers, managers and decision-makers) in two geographically diverse regions of Ontario. During the third phase, we will synthesize the evidence from the first two phases in order to outline key recommendations for ALC strategies moving forward.
Funders: Canadian Institutes for Health Research
Research Staff: Lauren Cadel
Principal Investigators: Dr. Kerry Kuluski and Dr. Sara Guilcher
Co-Investigators: Tara Kiran, Jason Sutherland
This study is using a multi-method and an integrated knowledge translation approach across the three phases to gather and synthesize evidence related to alternate level of care (ALC) best practices and document a set of recommendations and strategies to be tested in a future study. The first phase involves conducting an international scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify evidence on ALC initiatives, strategies and outcomes. The second phase involves conducting one-to-one interviews with key stakeholders (providers, managers and decision-makers) in two geographically diverse regions of Ontario. During the third phase, we will synthesize the evidence from the first two phases in order to outline key recommendations for ALC strategies moving forward.
Funders: Canadian Institutes for Health Research
Research Staff: Lauren Cadel
Optimizing care journeys for adults with hip fractures and complexity: A mixed-methods case study
Co-Principal Investigators: Drs. Sara Guilcher & Kerry Kuluski
Co-Investigator: Drs. Susan Bronskill, Jeremiah Hwee, Kednapa Thavorn, Walter Wodchis
The goal of this study is to examine care transitions across sectors for adults with hip fracture within two diverse geographic settings. This project uses a multiple case-study design where in-depth interviews with patients, caregivers, health and social care providers, and decision-makers are being conducted. We will conduct follow-up interviews as patients and caregivers transition along their care journey. We will also use administrative data to examine care trajectories for adults with hip fracture and map their care journeys (healthcare utilization, costs, mortality, etc.). Lastly, we will use concept mapping to co-develop actionable strategies to optimize outcomes and care experiences. This research will make an important contribution by identifying gaps and opportunities to improve transitions in care and overall patient journeys for persons with hip fractures and complexity.
Funders: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Staff: Lauren Cadel
