SCPOR report: February 2024

Winter has returned - it’s a great time to stay inside! Grab a warm beverage and take in all the news and events at SCPOR in the February edition of SCPOR report.

Health Research Data Platform – Saskatchewan approves its first users, ringing in a new era for Saskatchewan Health Research

Saskatchewan health researchers are poised to take a leap forward in how they access data, transforming health research in our province. In January, a major milestone was achieved when two research teams were approved to begin conducting analysis through the Health Research Data Platform – Saskatchewan (HRDP-SK) for the first time.

The HRDP-SK is the first platform in Saskatchewan to integrate health data from multiple agencies. Partners have been working together over the past two years to develop a secure environment that enables secondary data users – those who use previously collected data for a new purpose, such as research – to access health data. The data is de-identified to ensure privacy and confidentiality.

Funded by the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research (SCPOR) and Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada, work on the HRDP-SK is supported by seven partners, including Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, eHealth Saskatchewan, 3S Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Health Quality Council, Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health.

“HRDP-SK advancements are instrumental in improving health data access here in Saskatchewan. Researchers can now bypass several time-consuming steps and access more databases more efficiently,” says Christina Weise, SCPOR’s Executive Director and HDRN Canada board member. “Having a data access centre will better position and align Saskatchewan with other provinces and help to ensure not only that our data is represented in research, but that results from the research are based on relevant information, improving likelihood of implementation.”

HDRN Canada Scientific Director Dr. Kim McGrail said that enabling Saskatchewan to be part of multi-regional studies in Canada will be a great boost to the research in the province: "Researcher access to data through HRDP-SK is an incredible step forward and the result of great partnerships and a lot of consultation.”

Researchers can now request data via the HRDP-SK website. Additional data integration work is underway to increase the number of databases available, which will allow the HRDP-SK team to support a greater breadth of research requests.

Dr. Derek Jorgenson, a professor in the College of Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan and Principal Investigator of the project An Interprofessional Model for Chronic Pain Management, recently received approval for his team to access data through the HRDP-SK. “The HRDP-SK has created a process for researchers in Saskatchewan to access the health system data that is already being collected,” Dr. Jorgenson explains. “This opens the door to incredible opportunities to identify health system problems sooner and better measure the impact of the solutions to those problems.”

Dr. Haizen Mou is a University of Saskatchewan researcher whose project Evaluating the Cooperative Community Clinic Model has also received access approval. “For health researchers in Saskatchewan,
having access to health data via HRDP-SK is a major milestone,” Dr. Mou says. “The platform allows our team to develop a comprehensive understanding of the utilization, costs and effectiveness of the primary care system in Saskatchewan. With this research, we will be able to make evidence-based policy recommendations that improve the health and healthcare of people in Saskatchewan.”

Over the past 18 months, the HRDP-SK has consulted with over 30 research teams to support their data inquiries and they are currently working with another ten teams to complete data access requests. The demand for access to health data through the HRDP-SK continues to increase.

Heather Dyck, a Patient Partner engaged with SCPOR, summarizes the significance of recent HRDP-SK accomplishments, stating, “The people of Saskatchewan require access to the health system data necessary to plan system changes that benefit patients, do research that matters to patients and have government programs that meet the health needs of all people; rural, urban, remote, First Nations and Métis. That is why we need the HRDP-SK.”

Learn more about the HRDP-SK and accessing health data for research purposes.

SCPOR report: January 2024

It’s a new year and new things happening at SCPOR! Learn more at http://mailchi.mp/17dcafec030f/scpor-newsletter-january-9600450.

SCPOR report: November 2023

Meet some of the SCPOR team and learn more about what’s new in patient-oriented research around the country! Click here to access the November SCPOR report.

SCPOR report: October 2023

Check out the news and noteworthy events and stories at SCPOR and in patient-oriented research across the country! Read the October edition of the SCPOR report at https://mailchi.mp/fbedb31665d3/scpor-newsletter-october-9390794

SCPOR rePORt: September 2023

Keep up with everything going on at SCPOR and in patient-oriented research! Click here to read the September 2023 Newsletter

SCPOR rePORt: June 2023

Stay updated with what’s going on at SCPOR and in patient-oriented research! Check out the June 2023 edition of SCPOR rePORt

SCPOR rePORt: May 2023

Learn what’s new in patient-oriented research across the country and here at SCPOR! Click here to access the full newsletter.

SCPOR rePORt: January 2023

Learn about our Patient-Oriented Research Learning Health System Projects, share your thoughts on the data you’d like to see in the Health Research Data Platform - Saskatchewan, find a research project that matches your lived experience and more! Check out January’s SCPOR report here.

SCPOR rePORt: December 2022

It’s a new year, fresh with new opportunities for grants, traineeships and learning! Take a walk through SCPOR’s past fiscal year and learn about upcoming events in this month’s SCPOR rePORt! Visit
https://mailchi.mp/e196a059f02d/scpor-newsletter-december-9328957

Expression of Interest for Patient Partners

The Long COVID Registry/Community of Practice is recruiting four to six Patient Partners that want to be directly involved in the project. Patient Partner input is being sought for all aspects of the research project and they will play an influential role in shaping these platforms for the betterment of those living with long COVID. We are seeking Patient Partners that are either:

• A patient with past/present lived experience of Long COVID (greater than four weeks of ongoing symptoms)

• A family member or caregiver for someone living with Long COVID

Click here to read the full Expression of Interest. 

Health Data Research Network Canada: HDRN Data Points

Learn what’s up @ HDRN Canada in their December 2022 newsletter.

SCPOR rePORt: November 2022

Want to learn about measuring the level of engagement on your patient-oriented research projects? What about new opportunities for Patient Partners to join research teams? Or traineeship opportunities for grad students? Find these and more in this months edition of the SCPOR rePORt!

CHEP 990 Seminar Series with Dr. Charles Plante

Professorships aren't all that: The present and future of research outside of the University system

Dr. Charles Plante, Research Scientist
CHEP 990 Seminar Series
Monday, December 5, 2022, 12 - 1pm, CST (Saskatchewan, GMT -06:00)
HLTH GA80 and Zoom

Zoom: https://usask-ca.zoom.us/j/97810944742?pwd=aHJ3Uit5dW9GMEdyOTE5RGt2b2Vwdz09

SCPOR rePORt: October 2022

Learn what’s new at SCPOR and in patient-oriented research! Check out the October 2022 edition of SCPOR report here!

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.