SCPOR rePORt: September 2022

What’s new at SCPOR and in patient-oriented research? Click here to check out the September edition of SCPOR rePORt!

Patient-oriented research in Saskatchewan receives $25.2 million in support

SASKATOON – The Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR) based from the University of Saskatchewan (USask) has entered a second phase of operation, thanks to a $12.6-million grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and matching funds provided by a group of partners.

 SCPOR was founded in 2015, as part of Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research, led by CIHR. The first phase of the strategy established systems to support patient-oriented research in Saskatchewan. The second phase, which took effect in April 2022, will focus on implementing systems that will be sustainable beyond the grant’s period of support.

 Patient-oriented research includes patients as partners on research teams. As experts in their own personal healthcare journey, patients, their families and their informal caregivers provide unique perspectives that help increase the likelihood that research will be implemented and lead to improved patient experiences.

 “Through patient-oriented research, we can achieve better experiences and better results for patients – the people of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Preston Smith (MD), dean of the USask College of Medicine and named principal investigator. “We are grateful for CIHR’s [funding] commitment, and that of our partner agencies to this important initiative.”

The matching total $12.6-million cash and in-kind contributions will be provided by: the Saskatchewan Health Authority, University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation, eHealth Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, and First Nations University of Canada.

“In Saskatchewan, patient partners and key organizations in health, education, and government are all collaborators in the grant and all have a voice at the table,” said Dr. Brandy Winquist (PhD), executive director, Academics and Learning with the Saskatchewan Health Authority.  “Saskatchewan is fortunate to have so many partners contributing to the initiative.”

Other significant collaborators include Patient Partners, Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations, Métis Nation—Saskatchewan, the nātawihowin and mamawiikikayaahk Research and Mentorship Networks (Saskatchewan NEIHR), Saskatchewan Ministry of Health and Saskatchewan Ministry of Advanced Education.

“Collaborative health research initiatives that bring together the expertise of Patient Partners, researchers, policy makers and health care providers will have a greater impact than when these experts act alone,” said Patient Partner and representative on SCPOR’s Oversight Committee, Candace Skrapek. “I am excited to bring the Patient Partner voice and perspective to this new granting phase. Through collaboration with SCPOR’s partners we can strengthen the capacity needed to conduct patient-oriented research that will improve the lives, health outcomes, and care experiences of the people of Saskatchewan.”

SCPOR’s vision of working together for a healthier Saskatchewan through patient-oriented research is possible because of the commitment of our diverse partners.

“Our government is proud to invest in Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research as they leverage the experience of a variety of partners to ensure patients have a strong voice in the delivery of health care in our province,” said Saskatchewan Minister of Health, Paul Merriman. “This collaboration will lead to a responsive, equitable and innovative system that supports a healthier Saskatchewan.”

As one of 11 SPOR SUPPORT units across the country, SCPOR will continue to collaborate with national counterparts to extend the benefit of patient-oriented research beyond Saskatchewan.

“Our work at CIHR has made patient-oriented research no longer just a concept in Canada; patients and researchers are working together to produce measurable improvements in service delivery and health care practice across the country,” said Dr. Michael Strong (MD), CIHR president. “Patient-oriented research wouldn’t be where it is today without the ongoing support and contributions from all SPOR-funded entities and their steadfast commitment to patient-oriented research in each of their communities.”

“To provide Canadians with high-quality health care, we need research evidence to tell us what works,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health, Government of Canada. “Patients, caregivers, and families help get at this evidence by adding their lived experience to the research process. Through this collaboration with the provincial government and partners, we are strengthening health care systems and improving patient care for people in Saskatchewan.”

Learn how patient-oriented research is making a difference in Saskatchewan here.

SCPOR rePORt: October 2021

Want to be up-to-date on what’s going on at SCPOR and patient-oriented research? Check out our October edition of the SCPOR Report! This month we share:

• Details on the upcoming Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase

• Details on upcoming presentations and past recordings from SPOR Northwest Virtual Institute

• Upcoming events and more!

SCPOR rePORt: September 2021

Learn about what’s taking place with SCPOR, our partners and other SPOR networks! Click here to read the September 2021 SCPOR report and click here to subscribe to our monthly newsletter!

Virtual SAS Interactive Workshop

The SAS interactive workshop will cover data management and statistical application using the SAS software.

 Available to all faculty, staff, residents, and students in the College of Medicine

• Online via Webex (invite will be sent upon registration)

• October 26, 28, & Nov. 2, 2021 (3 parts)

• 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

• Registration fee: $20.00 (Maximum 20 participants)

 Contact Marissa at the Clinical Research Support Unit at clinical.research@usask.ca or 966-8623 to register.

SPOR Evidence Alliance Annual Seed Grant Competition Now Open!

The SPOR Evidence Alliance has now launched the 2021 Seed Grant Competition! This year’s theme is, Knowledge Dissemination and Implementation with Patient Partnership Using an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice Lens.

 If you are a doctoral student, post-doctoral fellow, or an early career investigator (full-time, independent researcher with 0 to 5 years tenure) at a Canadian institution, you are eligible to apply. Note that prospective applicants must be registered members or become a member of the SPOR Evidence Alliance.

 For additional information on this year’s seed grant, please visit the following link: https://sporevidencealliance.ca/get-involved/seed-grant-opportunities/

SCPOR rePORt: August 2021

Stay up-to-date with what’s going on at SCPOR and in POR! Learn about:

• Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase: Call for Abstracts

• SPOR Northwest Virtual Institute

• SHRF Start & Solutions Awards

• How you can share your thoughts on future areas of focus for POR

• And more!

Click here to access the SCPOR Report and subscribe SCPOR’s monthly newsletter!

2021 SPOR Northwest Virtual Institute

Join us every Friday in October for talks, workshops, abstract presentations, and networking events focused on patient-oriented research.

Every Friday in October, the Alberta SPOR Support Unit and our SPOR-funded partners across western and northern Canada including SCPOR, will host top experts in patient-oriented research for the 2021 SPOR Northwest Virtual Institute.

The theme for this year, evolution and adaptation in patient-oriented research: Infectious ideas for a changing world, will shed light on the important role patient-oriented research plays in a post-pandemic world.

Register by September 28, 2021.

Research Showcase: Call for Abstracts

Interested in sharing your research at the upcoming Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase? We’re seeking submissions for both e-poster and oral presentations - submit your abstract by September 24, 2021. Visit https://www.scpor.ca/research-showcase to learn more!

CIHR/SPOR Survey: Future Areas of Focus for Patient-Oriented Research

Help shape the future of patient-oriented research in Canada! Share your ideas on the future of #PatientOrientedResearch by completing our short survey today!

Save the Dates: Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase 2021

Mark your calendars and save the dates (November 16 & 18, 2021) for the 2021 Saskatchewan Health Research Showcase! Watch for additional details coming soon!

Click to see the Save the Dates card.

SCPOR rePORt: July 2021

Learn what’s going on at SCPOR and in POR! Learn about:

• SPOR Northwest Virtual Institute

• SHRF START Award and Solutions Grant Program

• Upcoming Training Opportunities

And more! Click here to access the SCPOR Report and subscribe SCPOR’s monthly newsletter!

SHRF 2021/22 Solutions Program: Addiction Focus

SCPOR is excited to partner with SHRF for the 2021/22 Solutions Program: Addition Focus. Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply!

SHA Research Impacts: Trans Health Navigator pilot project changing lives

There is exciting work taking place in Saskatchewan by SPROUT grant recipients! Read this Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) story to learn more.

SCPOR rePORt: June 2021

See what’s new and newsworthy at SCPOR! Learn about:

• The Patient Engagement team’s new home & how you can stay involved!

• Training opportunities & tools to support Indigenous engagement in research

• Feature research of IPHRC/SCPOR Trainee Abdalla Karoyo

• SHRF Opportunities

Click here to access the SCPOR Report and subscribe SCPOR’s monthly newsletter!

Coffee Breaks are for the Dogs

To maintain and enhance the relationships amongst our staff in our new virtual world, we've established bi-weekly "coffee breaks" where we have an opportunity, to spend time with one another to focus on non-work topics! We take turns hosting, and that in itself has revealed much about the personalities of each person. Some prefer to keep it casual, and let the conversation flow naturally. Others come prepared with questions, games or quizzes. And last month, we were joined by two special guests!

Read about these PAWSitive additions to SCPOR's coffee break!

For additional information, visit the USask online therapy dog program.

• Listen to a presentation discussion the transition from in-person to online therapy dog sessions

• Learn about a patient-oriented research project: Fostering PAWSitive Wellbeing and Support: A qualitative study with therapy dog-handler teams and service providers

• Tune into an interview by Anna Stone with Colleen Dell and Holly McKenzie discussing online therapy dog programs

SCPOR rePORt: May, 2021

In this month's newsletter, you'll learn how to register for an event on PROMs & PREMs, find opportunities to engage in patient-oriented research, hear stories of research taking place in our province and more!

SCPOR rePORT: May 2021

A PAWSitive Support Project for Veterans with PTSD and Who Problematically Use Substances

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXFobyPqtG0

Learning how psychiatric service dogs can help veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) recover from problematic alcohol and drug use is the focus of a new Health Canada, Substance Use and Addiction Program, funded project led by the University of Saskatchewan.

Family relationships sustain us

https://vimeo.com/509560947

Produced by the SK LTC Network in partnership with SPA-LTC, 2021

The SK LTC Network is a group of family members, researchers, clinicians, and trainees that contribute evidence- and experience- informed strategies to support long-term care stakeholders.

Strengthening a Palliative Approach in Long-Term Care (https://spaltc.ca) is an approach that emphasizes quality of life for people with life-limiting illnesses living in long-term care. This approach emphasizes strong resident, family, and staff communication about the needs of the whole person.

SK LTC Network and SPA-LTC worked in partnership to produce this video as a reminder of the significance of family relationships to health and wellbeing. We share the belief that fostering strong resident, family, staff, and decision-maker relationships is integral to the pandemic response and recovery process.

Picker Gold Challenge Grants for Residency Training

The Picker Gold Graduate Medical Education (GME) Challenge Grant Program provides 18-month grants to support the research and development of innovative projects within the graduate medical education setting, designed to facilitate successful patient-centered care initiatives. Our goal is to help physicians incorporate practices that bring patient needs and wishes into the center of all healthcare interactions.

Click here to learn more. Application Deadline: May 12, 2020