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April 03, 2007 Health Promotion Research Grants announced The region's health care system received a boost today with the announcement of successful Health Promotion and Research Fund (HPRF) grants. Funded by Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation (AHSC) and the University of New Brunswick (Saint John), the HPRF is one of a series of cooperative initiatives emanating from a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in health research. “The MOU established a partnership that recognizes the need for a broad-based collaborative approach to health research in order to address the challenges of maintaining a responsive and sustainable health care system”, explained William H. Teed, Q.C., Chairman, Board of Directors, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. "Research is essential to the future health care in this region and, indeed, in the province as a whole," said Teed. "The goal of the HPRF is to facilitate regionally relevant health research," he said. "With HPRF funding, health-related community groups, graduate students and health professions will be able to work collaboratively. This is what is needed if we are to have the data and information that are necessary to develop a truly responsive and effective health care system." “Seed” and “Operating” grants totaling $122,000 have been awarded to ten health promotion and research initiatives throughout Health Region 2. These submissions clearly demonstrate collaborative approaches with the research partners and the community at large. Fund recipients were selected by a committee made up of representatives from each of the partner organizations (AHSC, UNB). Proposals that will receive Tier1 or “seed” grant funding are either in the “idea” stage and require funds to support further development, or relate to a health promotion initiative of limited scope. Tier 2 grants are awarded to support health promotion and health research proposals that are of considerable scientific merit and demonstrate the potential for sustained funding and “peer-reviewed” adjudication. Successful “Tier 2” projects included a Survey of Patient-Centered Strategies and Interprofessional Care of Diabetes Patients using Appreciative Inquiry. This study is designed to capture the perspective of patients on their health and care as it is, and as it can be. To take a positive approach to identification of what is working for Diabetic patients so we can do more of it - to identify if the team is part of a positive strategy - and create a baseline on team function for care of the diabetic patient. The principal investigator is Roberta Clark, UNB. The Feasibility of Health Information Collected by Home-based Technology in Frail, Older Adults to promote Independence at Home will also be studied. This pilot project seeks to investigate the feasibility of using interactive voice response telephones by frail older adults and/or their care givers after discharge to home from a Geriatric Rehabilitation Unit. Results of the study are hoped to provide insight into the application of this technology to assist the frail elderly and/or their care givers in the self-management of health-related problems at home. The principal investigator is Dr. Pamela Jarrett, AHSC. Another funded proposal will study the Use of Acute Care Services by Adults with Diabetes and the Effects of Self-management Practices. This study is designed to examine the effect of self-management practices on the use of acute care services (hospital admissions and ER visits) by people living with diabetes. Data will be analyzed to identify variation by demographics or place of residence (urban or rural). Findings will provide baseline info on healthcare utilization of diabetics in Region 2, and will inform future initiatives aimed at improving the self management practices of diabetics. The principal investigator is Dr. Marilyn Hodgins, UNB. Dr. Nicole Letourneau, UNB, will be the principal investigator on the pilot study Identifying the Support Needs of Fathers Affected by Postpartum Depression. This project seeks to pilot-test a multi-site (NB and AB) study of fathers' support needs when their partners are ill with post partum depression. This pilot will provide the foundation necessary for a full grant proposal to the Canadian Institute for Health Research (CIHR) 2007 Special Request for Applications on Boys and Men's Health. Tier 1 funding was provided to Amanda Higgins, AHSC for Video health: A DVD Compilation of Education and Treatment for Upper Extremity Injuries. Funding will be used to produce a DVD that will educate patients, staff and other health professionals in NB on management of upper extremity injuries. Dance Revolution – Health Revolution will be led by Dr. Susan Natsheh. The pilot will study the use of an electronic exercise device by obese children as a plausible option in the management of childhood obesity. Dr. Susan Natsheh is also the principal investigator for Hike the Halls Campaign. To establish AHSC as a positive role model to its employees and the community at large in the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices. The proposed program complements existing wellness programs for staff, and is accessible and available regardless of work schedule. It promotes incorporation of healthy choices into the daily routine for all employees. Dr. Glendon Sullivan will lead the project Validation of a Community-based Diagnostic Sleep Technology to assess the accuracy of community based portable technology (CBPT) for the investigation of obstructive sleep apnea by comparing it to sleep lab polysomnography - to establish guidelines for the use of CBPT in the community. Gender Interpretations of Health, Illness and Cancer: How does our gender influence our health behavior in illness Prevention and our participation in disease treatment. This study will explore the extent to which gender-bound interpretations of cancer, health, and illness present the basis for specific health behaviors that limit self-intervention related to illness prevention and disease treatment. Through this, to generate "gender-specific" recommendations for improved patient care and progressive initiatives towards the enhancement of the health education and illness prevention models currently in use. The principal investigator is Harold MacAulay, AHSC. Diabetics Accessing Community-based Computers will be under the direction of principal investigator Joanne Barry, AHSC. Software developed by the Anyware Group permits individuals with diabetes to input their personal information which is monitored by the Diabetes Education Center, and patients contacted if needed. It is an excellent tool, but only if clients have access to computers. The Community Access Center at St. Joseph’s Community Health Centre can facilitate improved access for clients. The most vulnerable population not having computers are those generally most vulnerable to chronic disease. For further information on the Health Promotion and Research Fund contact William H. Teed, Chairman, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation or for the HPRF Guidelines and Application Packages, please contact: Research Services, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. William H. Teed, Q. C., Chairman, Board of Directors, Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation is available for comment.
AHSC Contact: Copyright © 2007 Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. All rights reserved. |
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