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Background: Virtual care quickly became of crucial importance to health systems around the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the potential of virtual care to enhance access for some communities, the scale and pace at which services were virtualized did not leave many organizations with sufficient time and resources to ensure optimal and equitable delivery of care for everyone. The objective of this paper is to outline the experiences of health care organizations rapidly implementing virtual care during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and examine whether and how health equity was considered. Methods: We used an exploratory, multiple case study approach involving four health and social service organizations providing virtual care services to structurally marginalized communities in the province of Ontario, Canada. We conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with providers, managers, and patients to understand the challenges experienced by organizations and the strategies put in place to support health equity during the rapid virtualization of care. Thirty-eight interviews were thematically analyzed using rapid analytic techniques. Results: Organizations experienced challenges related to infrastructure availability, digital health literacy, culturally appropriate approaches, capacity for health equity, and virtual care suitability. Strategies to support health equity included the provision of blended models of care, creation of volunteer and staff support teams, participation in community engagement and outreach, and securement of infrastructure for clients. We put our findings into the context of an existing framework conceptualizing access to health care and expand on what this means for equitable access to virtual care for structurally marginalized communities. Conclusion: This paper highlights the need to pay greater attention to the role of health equity in virtual care delivery and situate that conversation around existing inequitable structures in the health care system that are perpetuated when delivering care virtually. An equitable and sustainable approach to virtual care delivery will require applying an intersectionality lens on the strategies and solutions needed to address existing inequities in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper identifies structural barriers faced by postsecondary students from diverse groups (women, racialized people, people with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples) when accessing work-integrated learning (WIL) programs. Drawing on the ecological model approach, this paper examines the challenges to inclusive WIL in Canada at the macro-level by looking at government funding for WIL programs; the meso-level by considering employer participation in WIL programs; and at the micro-level, by analyzing individual students' demographic characteristics. In considering micro-level factors, a quantitative approach is used to analyze the demographic characteristics of WIL applicants, while for meso-level factors, the paper utilizes a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews designed to capture employer perspectives. The study provides recommendations for policy-making, considers practical implications, and makes suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hospitalization is often viewed as a burdensome and stressful period for older adults and their family caregivers; however, little attention has been given to the positive aspects of the care continuum journey. The purpose of this article is to highlight the positive aspects of healthcare from the perspective of Canadian older adults with complex needs and their family caregivers. This study utilized a strengths-based theoretical perspective to conduct a secondary qualitative analysis of interviews with 12 older adults and seven family caregivers. Four themes relating to positive aspects of care were identified, including: (1) looking beyond illness, (2) emotional support from healthcare providers, (3) timely discharge, and (4) upholding independence. Focusing on the positive aspects can help determine areas of care practice that currently work well. These insights will be valuable for current and future initiatives seeking to restructure and optimize healthcare services for older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: International evidence shows that enhancement of primary health care (PHC) services for disadvantaged populations is essential to reducing health and health care inequities. However, little is known about how to enhance equity at the organizational level within the PHC sector. Drawing on research conducted at two PHC Centres in Canada whose explicit mandates are to provide services to marginalized populations, the purpose of this paper is to discuss (a) the key dimensions of equity-oriented services to guide PHC organizations, and (b) strategies for operationalizing equity-oriented PHC services, particularly for marginalized populations. Methods: The PHC Centres are located in two cities within urban neighborhoods recognized as among the poorest in Canada. Using a mixed methods ethnographic design, data were collected through intensive immersion in the Centres, and included: (a) in-depth interviews with a total of 114 participants (73 patients; 41 staff), (b) over 900 hours of participant observation, and (c) an analysis of key organizational documents, which shed light on the policy and funding environments. Results: Through our analysis, we identified four key dimensions of equity-oriented PHC services: inequity-responsive care; trauma- and violence-informed care; contextually-tailored care; and culturally-competent care. The operationalization of these key dimensions are identified as 10 strategies that intersect to optimize the effectiveness of PHC services, particularly through improvements in the quality of care, an improved 'fit' between people's needs and services, enhanced trust and engagement by patients, and a shift from crisis-oriented care to continuity of care. Using illustrative examples from the data, these strategies are discussed to illuminate their relevance at three inter-related levels: organizational, clinical programming, and patient-provider interactions. Conclusions: These evidence- and theoretically-informed key dimensions and strategies provide direction for PHC organizations aiming to redress the increasing levels of health and health care inequities across population groups. The findings provide a framework for conceptualizing and operationalizing the essential elements of equity-oriented PHC services when working with marginalized populations, and will have broad application to a wide range of settings, contexts and jurisdictions. Future research is needed to link these strategies to quantifiable process and outcome measures, and to test their impact in diverse PHC settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recent shifts in the patient, family and caregiver engagement field have focused greater attention on measurement and evaluation, including the impacts of engagement efforts. Current evaluation tools offer limited support to organizations seeking to reorient their efforts in this way. We addressed this gap through the development of an impact measurement framework and accompanying evaluation toolkit—the Engage with Impact Toolkit. Methods: The measurement framework and toolkit were co‐designed with the Evaluating Patient Engagement Working Group, a multidisciplinary group of patient, family and caregiver partners, engagement specialists, researchers and government personnel. Project activities occurred over four phases: (1) project scoping and literature review; (2) modified concept mapping; (3) working group deliberations and (4) toolkit web design. Results: The project scope was to develop a measurement framework and an evaluation toolkit for patient engagement in health systems that were practical, accessible, menu‐driven and aligned with current system priorities. Concept mapping yielded 237 impact statements that were sorted, discussed and combined into 81 unique items. A shorter list of 50 items (rated 8.0 or higher out of 10) was further consolidated to generate a final list of 35 items mapped across 8 conceptual domains of impact: (1) knowledge and skills; (2) confidence and trust; (3) equity and inclusivity; (4) priorities and decisions; (5) effectiveness and efficiency; (6) patient‐centredness; (7) culture change and (8) patient outcomes and experience. Working Group members rated the final list for importance (1–5) and identified a core set of 33 items (one for each of the 8 domains and 25 supplementary items). Two domains (priorities and decisions; and culture change) yielded the highest overall importance ratings (4.8). A web‐based toolkit (www.evaluateengagement.ca) hosts the measurement framework and related evaluation supports. Conclusion: The Engage with Impact Toolkit builds on existing engagement evaluation tools but brings a more explicit focus to supporting organizations to assess the impacts of their engagement work. Patient Contribution: Patient, family and caregiver partners led the early conceptualization of this work and were involved at all stages and in all aspects of the work. As end‐users of the toolkit, their perspectives, knowledge and opinions were critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) allows physicians to integrate evidence, clinical experience, and patient values into clinical decision making and thus has been readily incorporated into medical education; however, there is limited research capturing the perceptions of both student and educator in their experiences in engaging with an EBM-based research curriculum. Assessing the perceptions of both these key stakeholders represents an important area of research as it can help to inform EBM curriculum integration and evaluation efforts. Methods: This study utilizes a constructivist framework to assess the thoughts, beliefs, and feelings of students and tutors interacting with a 2-year EBM-based research curriculum. Students completed semi-structured interviews and tutors completed semistructured online surveys to explore their perceptions and experiences. Interview transcripts and qualitative survey responses were analysed using conventional descriptive content analysis to create a set of recommendations for EBM curriculum development. Results: 13 students and 20 tutors participated, and four major themes were identified. Students noted EBM education was most effective when opportunities existed to apply research skills, complete practical research experience, engage actively in learning, and integrate clinical and research concepts. Tutors found the curriculum to be effective but noted it was challenging to accommodate for the diversity of student knowledge and interest in research. Conclusion: This study provides a general set of recommendations for the design, implementation, and refinement of EBM-based research curricula to facilitate student learning through focusing on 1) research consumption, 2) emphasizing application, 3) emphasizing interactivity, 4) curriculum integration, and 5) catering towards student heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: End-of-life care involves a multitude of functions delivered by a team of healthcare professionals. Family caregivers get involved in every aspect of the palliative care journey. Meeting the needs of ethnically diverse patients can be a daunting task for Western-trained healthcare professionals. Family and professional caregivers need to have a mutual understanding of perspectives and expectations to integrate family caregivers into end-of-life care. The South Asian population in Canada is fast growing, and very little is known about their understanding and expectations of end-of-life care. Methods: The purpose is to provide research-based knowledge on discordances and concordances of encounters and perceptions of end-of-life care delivery between South Asian family caregivers and palliative care health professionals. Individual interviews were conducted among seven palliative care professionals, in a tertiary care center, and seven South Asian family caregivers who have provided care, in the same inpatient center, for the same period. The constant comparison, a component of the grounded theory approach, was employed to compare the two types of caregivers' perspectives that emerged in the qualitative data. Findings: The family caregivers were divided in their perception based on death denial and acceptance. The findings weaved the discordances and concordances of meaning assigned to palliative care to the three themes that emerged: the role of the family caregiver, communication needs and challenges, and barriers to the family caregiver participation in decision-making. The discordance between professionals and family caregivers arose in the death-denial group and concorded with the death-accepted group. The findings revealed a consequence of the survival optimistic bias, as creating dissatisfaction toward the end-of-life care delivery system when the palliative care professionals prognosticate imminent end-of-life. Conclusion: The family caregivers' interactions and encounters were shaped by their acceptance or denial of the death of their family member in care. Gaining conceptual clarity on the meaning of palliative care and providing education on the process of end-of-life care delivery are crucial to integrating ethnically diverse family caregivers into the decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Issue: Access to in-home palliative and end-of-life care (PELC), qualified professionals, and high-quality nursing care and services in rural areas is limited and unequal, thus leading to an increase in unmet needs across the care trajectory of cancer patients. Objectives and methodology: A qualitative descriptive study was carried out to gain a better understanding of the needs of rural cancer patients receiving in-home PELC and to describe the nursing care and services available to them. Results: Five rural cancer patients requiring PELC reported a variety of needs, especially those arising from limited information resources and multiple time- and energy-consuming back-andforth trips to urban centres. Seven nurses who provide in-home care and services to rural inhabitants outlined the challenges they face in addressing these needs. These are related primarily to the long distances they are called upon to travel, the limited number of specialized professional resources available, transfers to emergency departments, the dearth of PELC training and the lack of a dedicated PELC team. Conclusion: These findings helped gain a better understanding of the specific needs of rural cancer patients requiring in-home PELC, as well as the challenges that nurses must confront to help their patients remain in their own homes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to examine the factors that influence fly-in and fly-out (FIFO) mental health service providers' experiences of vicarious trauma as they deliver services to communities in Inuit Nunangat through a constructivist self-development theory (CSDT) lens. Using a participatory action research methodology, we conducted eight semi-structured interviews with providers to understand their perspectives on the risk of developing vicarious trauma and potential mitigation strategies. We identified three themes through thematic analysis: 1) vicarious trauma is a risk associated with working in communities with high rates of trauma; 2) establishing individual and organizational strategies to reduce risk of vicarious trauma may improve FIFO providers' well-being and career longevity; and 3) FIFO models of care may offer protective benefits for mental health service providers against vicarious trauma. We conclude that FIFO models of care may help mental health service providers to manage the risk of vicarious trauma through reduced caseload and less time spent in community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to cultural influences, people from some ethnic minority groups expect to provide caregiving for their family members who suffer from illness. Little is known about the expectations about caregiving and the help‐seeking process among the Korean population in Canada. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine perceptions of caregiving for people living with dementia and help‐seeking patterns among prospective Korean caregivers who anticipate becoming primary caregivers of their older relatives with dementia. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in Montreal, Canada. In‐depth semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine prospective Korean caregivers. The interviews were analysed using a qualitative thematic analysis. This study found four emerging themes: (1) the importance of family care; (2) the ability to find resources outside of the family; (3) the roles of Korean churches as a support system and; (4) the perceptions of service providers and health care settings. The findings of this study suggest that linguistic support services enable family caregivers to access more health and social services. Resources may be more easily accessed by Korean communities when provided through churches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multisectoral approaches to health are collaborations between stakeholders across multiple sectors, usually formed to address issues that affect health but go beyond the purview of one particular sector. The significance of multisectoral partnerships to attain health equity has been widely acknowledged. However, the extent which equity can be attained depends upon the perceptions of various stakeholders. We examine how multisectoral partnerships promoting healthy eating and active living conceptualized and employed an equity lens in their work. Method: This study is part of a larger pan-Canadian mixed-method research and knowledge sharing program entitled MUSE (Multisectoral Urban Systems for health and Equity in Canadian cities). Data collected from both quantitative and qualitative sources for two sites of the MUSE project-Saskatoon and Toronto were analyzed. In the qualitative part, 30 semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with key stakeholders from six different multisectoral partnerships based in Saskatoon and Toronto. Data were analyzed in an inductive way. In the quantitative part, a survey with 37 representatives of stakeholder organizations was carried out. Simple descriptive statistics (means and percentages) were used to observe the distribution of data and to complement the qualitative analysis. Results: Equity was not a central component in program design although participants addressing equity, did so by discussing accessibility. How much consideration was given to equity varied as a function of the type of partnership. Most participants emphasized geographical accessibility but a few mentioned financial accessibility. Collaborative leadership style facilitated a participatory decision-making process, and thereby upholding equity in the partnership decision-making process. Communication, networking, and negotiation skills were found to be core competencies of a leader that contributed in upholding equity in partnership dynamics. The study also showed some challenges to embed equity in partnership works, such as the lack of comprehensive understanding of population health and its equity tenet. Conclusions: Findings indicate that multisectoral partnerships aimed at promoting healthy eating and physical activity experience several challenges to attain equity within the partnership as well as in the partnership-based works aimed at reducing health equity in populations. Factors identified can support decision makers commit to and work to attaining equity within their partnerships as well as in the partnership-based work in the community and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) play an important role in promoting and supporting patient and family-centered care. Implementing interventions like PROMs in routine clinical care require key stakeholders to change their behavior. The aim of this study was to utilize the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify barriers and enablers to the implementation of PROMs in pediatric outpatient asthma clinics from healthcare providers' perspective. Methods: This TDF-guided qualitative descriptive study is part of a larger multi-phase project to develop the KidsPRO program, an electronic platform to administer, collect, and use PROMs in pediatrics. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 17 participants, which included pediatricians, nurses, allied health professionals and administrative staff from outpatient asthma clinics. All the interviews were transcribed, deductively coded, inductively grouped in themes, and categorized into barriers and enablers. Results: We identified 33 themes within 14 TDF domains, which were further categorized and tabulated into 16 barriers and 17 enablers to implementing PROMs in asthma clinics. Barriers to behavioral change were attributed to personal, clinical, non-clinical, and other system-level factors; they ranged from limited awareness of PROMs to language barriers and patient's complex family background. Enablers ranged from a personal commitment to providing patient and family-centered care to administering PROMs electronically. Conclusion: This implementation of science-based systematic inquiry captured the complexity of PROMs implementation in pediatric outpatient clinical care for asthma. Considering the consistency in barriers and enablers to implementing PROMs across patient populations and care settings, many findings of this study will be directly applicable to other pediatric healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim was to investigate if an extracurricular research skills development program builds the knowledge, attitudes, and skills (KAS) to support evidence‐based practice (EBP). Methods: Twenty nursing students and six mentors in four teams completed small, student‐led research projects over 1 year. Using a mixed‐methods design, the knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) survey was administered at three‐time points, followed by qualitative interviews. A linear mixed‐effects regression model was used to analyze survey data and thematic analysis for qualitative data. Results: The change from the KAP survey from the first to the third time point showed a statistically significant difference following engagement in the program. Qualitative data indicated benefits and challenges to participation for both students and mentors. Mentorship provided students with improved relationships, collaboration, and leadership skills. Students believed the program enhanced their understanding of research and reported increased confidence in using EBP. Conclusion: Offering students innovative first‐hand experiences with research develops research KAS to support EBP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore emergency nurses' perceptions of how a nurse‐driven patient needs assessment tool, the synergy tool, influenced their workload management. Background: Quadruple Aim, particularly the fourth aim of improved staff work experiences, served as the conceptual framework to engage nurses in a participatory action research project. This project took place between 2017 and 2020 in two tertiary care emergency departments in one large Canadian city. Method: This study employed a qualitative descriptive component, focus group interviews and nurse comments on two open‐ended survey questions. Results: Use of the synergy tool heightened nurses' awareness of patients' holistic care needs. Nurses also stated how patient needs assessment data helped them identify unsafe workloads. Conclusions: The synergy tool, adapted for emergency department use by nurses, was a means to engage and empower nurses. Patient needs assessment data from the tool identified staffing gaps, resulting in additional nursing staff for both emergency departments. Implications for Nursing Management: A focus on patient needs assessment can be an effective way to address nurses' workload concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lower limb deformities include conditions such as leg length discrepancy, lower limb deficiency and associated angular and rotational deformities of the hips, knees, ankles and feet. Children with lower limb deformities often have physical limitations due to gait irregularities and pain. The differences in the appearance and function of their lower limbs can discourage participation in social, recreational and leisure activities, which may result in behavioural, emotional, psychological and social adjustment problems. The health-related quality of life (HRQL) of these children is often impacted due to the factors discussed above, as well as by the complex surgical procedures. Surgical treatment options for limb deformities in children vary from limb lengthening and reconstruction to amputation. The lack of evidence demonstrating superiority of either treatment options and their effect on HRQL limits the ability of healthcare providers to counsel families on the best evidence-based treatment option for them. This manuscript describes the international qualitative study which guided the development of a new patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Individual semi-structured face-to-face interviews with children with lower limb deformities and their parents were conducted at five sites: Canada (2 sites), Ethiopia, India and the USA. Results: Seventy-nine interviews were conducted at five international sites. Five main themes emerged from the qualitative interviews and formed the basis of the conceptual framework. These themes were: 1) appearance, 2) physical health, 3) psychological health 4) school and 5) social health. Conclusions: Lower limb deformities have a substantial impact on the HRQL of children. The concepts of interest identified in our study were similar across children from all countries. The conceptual framework guided the development of outcome scales specific to these patients. The information about the impact of various treatment options on the HRQL of children with lower limb deformities, collected using this new PROM, could be used to inform parents and children about outcomes (physical, social, psychological) associated with specific treatment options. This information could supplement other objective outcome information (e.g., complication rates, how the leg will look, etc.) to help families to come to a more informed decision on a child's course of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a prevalent chronic condition that poses a major burden for patients and the health care system. Evidence suggests that patient engagement in self-care improves diabetes control and reduces the risk of complications. To provide effective interventions that aim to improve empowerment processes relating to diabetes, a comprehensive and valid measure of empowerment is needed. This article details the development and validation of the McGill Empowerment Assessment–Diabetes (MEA-D). METHODS: The development and validation of the MEA-D questionnaire comprised three steps: item generation, qualitative face validation, and factorial content validation. An initial version was created by combining existing items and inductively generated items. Items were mapped to an empowerment framework with four domains: attitude, knowledge, behavior, and relatedness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 adults living with diabetes to assess face validity. The questionnaire was revised by a team of clinicians, researchers, and patient-partners. Factorial content validation was then performed using responses from 300 adult Canadians living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. RESULTS: The final version of the MEA-D contained 28 items. A moderately good item-domain correlation was found between the individual items within the four domains. Cronbach's α was 0.81 (95% CI 0.78–0.85) for attitude, 0.73 (95% CI 0.67–0.79) for knowledge, 0.84 (95% CI 0.81–0.87) for behavior, and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84) for relatedness. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of diabetes programs demands a validated measure of empowerment. We developed the MEA-D to address this need. The MEA-D may be adapted to measure patients' empowerment regarding other chronic health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain (LBP) recommend using stratified care approaches. To date, no study has assessed barriers and facilitators for health professionals in using stratified care approaches for managing non-specific LBP in the Canadian primary care setting. This study aimed to identify and contrast barriers and facilitators to using the stratified care approaches for non-specific LBP among Canadian physiotherapists and chiropractors. Methods: Individual telephone interviews, underpinned by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), explored beliefs and attitudes about, and identified barriers and facilitators to the use of stratified care approaches for managing non-specific LBP in a purposive sample of 13 chiropractors and 14 physiotherapists between September 2015 and June 2016. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed by two independent assessors using directed content analysis. Results: Three and seven TDF domains were identified as likely relevant for physiotherapists and chiropractors, respectively. Shared key beliefs (and relevant domains of the TDF) for both physiotherapists and chiropractors included: lack of time, cost, and expertise (Environmental Context and Resources); and consulting more experienced colleagues and chronic patients with important psychological overlay (Social Influences). Unique key domains were identified among physiotherapists: incompatibility with achieving other objectives (Goals), and chiropractors: confidence in using stratified care approaches (Beliefs about Capabilities); intention to use stratified care approaches (Intentions); awareness and agreement with stratified care approaches (Knowledge); assessment of readiness for change and intentional planning behaviour (Behavioural Regulation); and improving the management of non-specific LBP patients and the uptake of evidence-based practice (Beliefs about Consequences). Conclusions: Several shared and unique barriers and facilitators to using the stratified care approaches for non-specific LBP among Canadian physiotherapists and chiropractors were identified. Findings may help inform the design of tailored theory-based knowledge translation interventions to increase the uptake of stratified care approaches in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the recognized importance of end‐of‐life (EOL) communication between patients and physicians, the extent and quality of such communication is lacking. Objective: We sought to understand patient perspectives on physician behaviours during EOL communication. Design: In this mixed methods study, we conducted quantitative and qualitative strands and then merged data sets during a mixed methods analysis phase. In the quantitative strand, we used the quality of communication tool (QOC) to measure physician behaviours that predict global rating of satisfaction in EOL communication skills, while in the qualitative strand we conducted semi‐structured interviews. During the mixed methods analysis, we compared and contrasted qualitative and quantitative data. Setting and Participants: Seriously ill inpatients at three tertiary care hospitals in Canada. Results: We found convergence between qualitative and quantitative strands: patients desire candid information from their physician and a sense of familiarity. The quantitative results (n = 132) suggest a paucity of certain EOL communication behaviours in this seriously ill population with a limited prognosis. The qualitative findings (n = 16) suggest that at times, physicians did not engage in EOL communication despite patient readiness, while sometimes this may represent an appropriate deferral after assessment of a patient's lack of readiness. Conclusions: Avoidance of certain EOL topics may not always be a failure if it is a result of an assessment of lack of patient readiness. This has implications for future tool development: a measure could be built in to assess whether physician behaviours align with patient readiness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory quasi-experimental evaluation assessed the effectiveness of the use of a concrete discussion guide to promote organisation-wide application of a partnering approach to engage older home-care clients with chronic disease/disabilities as care partners. A post-test-only design with an independent pre-test sample was used to compare selected outcomes with those of standard in-home care. The theoretically informed discussion guide portrayed how to go about the process of empowering partnering by using language and open-ended conversational leads to construct partnering, partnering effort and health as a resource for everyday living through social interaction. The discussion guide was provided to all providers for use with all clients in one home-care programme in Ontario, Canada and this organisation was compared with a similar but geographically distanced organisation, also in Ontario. Seven hundred and ninety-one randomly selected clients (mean age = 72.5 years) receiving 3+ months of in-home care for chronic conditions/disabilities from the two home-care programmes between September 2007 and May 2010 completed a researcher-administered questionnaire at either baseline, 1 year or 2 years. Instruments included the Client's Partnering Experience, Health-Promoting Partnering Effort, a modified version of Locus of Authority in Decision-Making, the Medical Outcomes Survey Self-Rated Health Scale, Health and Social Services Utilization and a modified Functional Independence Measure. Analysis of covariance revealed that the use of the concrete discussion guide to promote organisation-wide application of a partnering approach achieved significantly greater client partnering experience and health-promoting partnering effort over time than did the usual approach to in-home-care interactions. Using the discussion guide enhanced client/provider partnering, hence, interdependence, contributing positively to promoting clients' health as a resource for everyday living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we tested a structural equation model to examine work environment factors related to changes in job satisfaction of oncology nurses between 2004 and 2006. Relational leadership and good physician/nurse relationships consistently influenced perceptions of enough RNs to provide quality care, and freedom to make patient care decisions, which, in turn, directly influenced nurses' job satisfaction over time. Supervisor support in resolving conflict and the ability to influence patient care outcomes were significant influences on job satisfaction in 2004, whereas, in 2006, a clear philosophy of nursing had a greater significant influence. Several factors that influence job satisfaction of oncology nurses in Canada have changed over time, which may reflect changes in work environments and work life. These findings suggest opportunities to modify work conditions that could improve nurses' job satisfaction and work life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Our aim was to investigate direct-care nurses' interests in formal management roles and factors that facilitate their decision-making. Background Based on a projected shortage of nurses by 2022, the profession could be short of 4200 nurse managers in Canada within the next decade. However, no data are currently available that identify nurses' interests in assuming manager roles. Methods Using focus group methodology, we conducted 18 focus groups with 125 staff nurses and managers in four regions across Canada. Results Major themes and subthemes influencing nurses' decisions to pursue management roles included personal demographic (education, age, clinical experience and life circumstances), personal disposition (leadership skills, intrinsic rewards and professional commitment) and situation (leadership development opportunities, manager role perceptions and presence of mentors). Although nurses see management roles as positive opportunities, they did not perceive the rewards to be great enough to outweigh their concerns. Conclusions Findings suggested that organizations need to provide support, leadership development and succession opportunities and to redesign manager roles for optimum success. Implications for nursing management Leaders need to ensure that they convey positive images of manager roles and actively identify and support staff nurses with leadership potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To explore how older people who are “aging in place” are affected when the urban neighbourhoods in which they are aging are themselves undergoing socioeconomic and demographic change. Methods. A qualitative case study was conducted in two contrasting neighbourhoods in Montréal (Québec, Canada), the analysis drawing on concepts of social exclusion and attachment. Results. Participants express variable levels of attachment to neighbourhood. Gentrification triggered processes of social exclusion among older adults: loss of social spaces dedicated to older people led to social disconnectedness, invisibility, and loss of political influence on neighbourhood planning. Conversely, certain changes in a disadvantaged neighbourhood fostered their social inclusion. Conclusion. This study thus highlights the importance of examining the impacts of neighbourhood change when exploring the dynamics of aging in place and when considering interventions to maintain quality of life of those concerned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Underuse of best practices in chronic disease prevention (CDP) represents missed opportunities to promote healthy living and prevent chronic disease. Better understanding of how CDP programs, practices and policies (PPPs) are transferred from ‘resource' organizations that develop them to ‘user' organizations that implement them is crucial. The objectives of this work were to develop psychometrically sound measures of transfer practices occurring within resource organizations; describe the use of these transfer practices and identify correlates of the transfer process. Cross-sectional data were collected in structured telephone interviews with the person most knowledgeable about PPP transfer in 77 Canadian organizations that develop PPPs. Independent correlates of transfer were identified using multiple linear regression. The transfer practices most commonly used included: identification of barriers to PPP adoption/implementation, tailoring transfer strategies and designing a transfer plan. Skill at planning/implementing transfer, external sources of funding specifically allocated for transfer, type of resource organization, attitude toward process of collaboration and user-centeredness were all positively associated with the transfer process. These factors represent possible targets for interventions to improve transfer of CDP PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Despite growing awareness of the importance of social determinants of health, research remains limited about the implementation of sociodemographic data collection in Canadian health care settings. Little is known about the salient contextual factors that enable or hinder collection and use of social information to improve quality of care in clinical settings. This study examines the perceptions and experiences of managers and care providers to better understand how to support organizational efforts to collect and use sociodemographic data to provide equity-oriented care. Methods: Case studies of three diverse urban health care settings employed semi-structured individual and group interviews with managers and care providers respectively to explore their experiences with implementation. Data was analyzed separately and in context for each site as part of an individual case study. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts was performed with an inductive approach to coding of segments of the text. Constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) were used as an analytical framework to structure the data to support cross case comparisons of facilitators and barriers to implementation across settings. Results: Several perceived facilitators and barriers to implementation were identified that clustered around three CFIR domains: intervention, inner setting and characteristics of individuals. Macro level (outer setting) factors were relatively unexplored. Sites were motivated by their recognition of need for social information to improve quality of care. Organizational readiness for implementation was demonstrated by priorities that reflected concern for equity in care, leadership support and commitment to an inclusive process for stakeholder engagement. Barriers included perceived relevance of only a subset of sociodemographic questions to service delivery, staff capacity and comfort with data collection as well as adequate resources (funding and time). Conclusion: Although system level mandates were underexplored, they may accelerate adoption and implementation of sociodemographic data collection in the presence of organizational readiness. Standardized tools integrated into information systems and workflows would support adequately trained personnel. More research is needed to understand important factors in rural health settings and with clinical application to inform care delivery pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patient perspectives on new programs to manage metabolic syndrome (MetS) are critical to evaluate for possible implementation in the primary healthcare system. Participants’ perspectives were sought for the Canadian Health Advanced by Nutrition and Graded Exercise (CHANGE) study, which enrolled 293 participants, and demonstrated 19% reversal of MetS after 1 year. The main purpose of this study was to examine participants’ perceptions of their experiences with the CHANGE program, enablers and barriers to change. Methods: A convergent parallel mixed methods design combined patients’ perspectives collected by questionnaires (n = 164), with insights from focus groups (n = 41) from three sites across Canada. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed using interpretative description. Insights were organized within a socio-ecologic framework. Results: Key aspects identified by participants included intra-individual factors (personal agency, increased time availability), inter-individual factors (trust, social aspects) and organizational factors (increased mental health support, tailored programs). Conclusion: Results revealed participants’ overall support for the CHANGE program, especially the importance of an extended program under the guidance of a family physician along with a skilled and supportive team. Team delivery of a lifestyle program in primary care or family medicine clinics is a complex intervention and use of a mixed methods design was helpful for exploring patient experiences and key issues on enablers and barriers to health behavior change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]