knowledge translation implementation science improvement science aging long term care
Degrees
I have been a member of the faculty and principal investigator of the Knowledge Utilization Studies Program since 1997 and the longitudinal, pan Canadian Translating Research in Elder Care (TREC) research program since 2007. I hold a Tier I Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Knowledge Translation and am cross appointed in the School of Public Health, University of Alberta. I supervise undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows and teach in the areas of knowledge translation and research design. My research focuses on basic and applied aspects of inquiry in the knowledge translation, knowledge utilization and implementation science fields, with a particular focus on congregate setting where older adults with dementia live (i.e., long term care or LTC). I have been the recipient of several awards and achievements among them, the J. Gordin Kaplan Award for Excellence in Research, University of Alberta, (2018), the International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame (2018), the Betty Havens Prize for Knowledge Translation in Aging (2014), the CAFA Distinguished Academic Award (2010), the Alumni Award of Distinction, University of New Brunswick (2007), the Alumni Horizon Award (2002), University of Alberta, and career scientist awards from CIHR/MRC (Health Scholar, 2000-2005) and AHFMR (Population Health Investigator, 2000-2003). In 2007 I was elected to Fellowship in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS). In 2011 I was inducted as a Fellow into the American Academy of Nurses (FAAN). In 2020 I was inducted as a Fellow into the Royal Society of Canada. I received the Order of Canada in 2016.
COVID-19 related research
I lead studies on:
Broadly, my research focuses on knowledge translation (KT) (also known as implementation science, innovation diffusion) – interventions to increase the use of evidence, the role of organizational context (work environment) in supporting knowledge translation, the effect of knowledge translation and other strategies on resident/patient and staff outcomes. I also focus increasingly on improvement methods and the sustainability, spread and scale-up of evidence informed innovations. My work also includes work on quality of care and quality of life in LTC homes, and on staff well-being, work life and mental health. I use a variety of research designs and mixed methods and have done research in various settings including acute care, home care and paediatrics but focus now exclusively in residential long term care settings (nursing homes). I led the development of the Alberta Context Tool© (ACT), currently being used in eight countries and six languages with active translation projects ongoing. The ACT measures modifiable elements of organizational context. I have capacity in various qualitative and quantitative methods. I mostly use an integrated KT or partnered approach, that is I work with policy and decision-makers at all levels, staff and citizens.
Active Projects: Principal Investigator
Active Projects: Co-Investigator
I teach in the areas of knowledge translation, policy analysis, research design and methods, and organizational and health care outcomes. I typically mentor graduate students whose interests are in how organizations influence resident (patient) outcomes, provider outcomes, the use of best practices, and/or whose interests lie in the use of implementation and improvement science and other methods to positively influence outcomes. In addition to graduate students I supervise postdoctoral fellows and honors undergraduate students. Several CIHR, CFN and AI (previously AIHS) funded post doctoral fellows currently work with me. I have taught NURS 683 (Advanced Design) and I developed and have taught INT D 690 (Topics in Knowledge Utilization) many times. I have also taught NURS 503 (Research Methods), NURS 600 (Theory Development) and NURS 699 (Dissertation Seminar).
Current Trainees
Postdoctoral Fellows
Doctoral Students
Masters Students
Honours Undergraduate Students
For a complete list of trainees visit the KUSP Website.
I am currently accepting PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, as well as, honors undergraduate students and thesis master's students. My research program offers significant opportunity to work with and publish from an extensive and rich longitudinal database - for theses, postdoctoral and other projects. Students who are interested in applying for competitive extramural program funding should read information on relevant sites (e.g., CIHR, Alberta Innovates (AI), Alzheimer's Society, MITACS, etc.). These programs are highly competitive and require a very high GPA and depending on the level of award, good quality peer reviewed publications (the more senior, the higher the requirements), outside interests and volunteer experience. The CIHR Vainer (PhD) studies and CIHR Banting (post doctoral studies) are the most competitive awards in Canada. Competitive students will be supported to apply. Similarly competitive honours and general undergraduate students will also be supported for summer funding (CFN, SCN, and AI, as well as, MITACS international research exchange programs).
If your research interests are aligned with my program of research and area of expertise, I welcome your requests. However, whether I accept a request for supervision will depend on: (a) whether I currently have capacity to supervise another student or postdoctoral fellow, and (b) whether the student or postdoctoral fellow's research interests are aligned with my own program of research and areas of expertise. Before reaching out, please make sure to carefully read what areas of research I focus on and research methods in which I have expertise. I will only respond to requests that: