Applied Health Research & Knowledge Mobilization Lab

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a public health concern in Canada, particularly for babies and young children. Over the past year, Health Canada has approved 2 approaches to protect babies against infections caused by RSV: one is a vaccine that would be given to pregnant females in their third trimester (Abrysvo), and the other approach is a one-dose shot of long-acting monoclonal antibodies (Nirsevimab). Neither approach is yet widely used in Canada.  This study aims to investigate new and expecting parent’s perceptions of RSV Disease and their preferences and attitudes towards these two novel approaches for immunization against RSV.  This study will include 2 phases of data collection followed by a knowledge mobilization phase to design educational materials that will support parental decision-making around RSV.  Data collection will start with a national survey followed by interviews with new and expecting parents living in Canadian provinces.

This study is conducted as part of the work of the Canadian Center for Vaccinology.  Rebecca Brundin-Mather is the project manager.

Description: Sepsis is a threat to the health of Canadians and populations around the world. This is a 5-Year study (2021-2026), aimed to understand and improve public awareness of sepsis in Canada.  To learn about this project, click ‘More Information’.

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Description: Current ProjectsSocio-Cultural Implications of COVID-19: Educating, Engaging & Empowering the PublicInitiated early in the pandemic, this study aimed to develop a comprehensive understanding of potential social and cultural factors that contributed to public knowledge and perceptionsof COVID-19. Using surveys and interviews, we identified and examined major factors influencing public knowledge, perceptions and behaviours during the COVID-19 outbreak,offering recommendations around information access and dissemination in efforts to combat misinformation, stigma, and fear.

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Description: The overarching aim of our youth and family focused project is to rapidly identify underlying drivers of stress and trauma due to the pandemic, as well as associated protective mechanisms, in diverse subpopulations of youth and families in Canada to help shed light on how we can best support families through pandemic recovery and beyond. To achieve this goal, we are conducting a multi-phased mixed-methods study to comprehensively assess youth and family experiences, outcomes, and needs.  

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Description: The overarching aim of our program of research is to examine the knowledge, behaviours, underlying drivers, and associated implications relating to COVID-19 vaccination confidence and hesitancy. We aim to use our study results to educate, engage, and empower the Canadian public to be informed stewards of their own health. To achieve this goal, we are conducting a multi-phase mixed-methods study, involving a national cross-sectional survey, interviews and focus groups with a diverse group of Canadians, and knowledge translation activities.

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Description: The aim of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of individual’s perceptions of Canada’s current healthcare system and potential ways the system could be changed to better meets the needs of Canadian residents. To meet our aim, we will interview individuals representing four stakeholder groups: public citizens; healthcare leaders; academics and researchers; and decision makers, including individuals involved in professional industries that might influence healthcare. By gathering insight into the similarities and differences in their perceptions and experiences, we will be able to get a well-rounded idea of what can be done to improve the current system, and how to go about doing this.

Link to Study Infographic

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Description: Using a multiple baseline trial design, this study implemented and evaluated a structured electronic health record-embedded discharge summary tool (eDischarge tool) for patientsdischarged from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a hospital ward. We hypothesized that the electronic transfer tool will positively impact two inter-related outcomes: (1) Improve thecompleteness and timeliness of clinical documentation on transfer, and (2) Reduce the incidence of associated adverse patient clinical outcomes after transfer (e.g., adverse events,ICU readmission).

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The overarching aim of this program of research is to partner with youth and families to target and improve youth mental health prior to the onset of mental health disorders. A collaborative and creative approach is needed to leverage digital mental health resources that Canadian youth are already using to co-design and pilot test an evidence-based digital psychoeducational tool to increase accessible mental health support.