Six Projects Funded in SHRF Mobilize Grant Competition

This proposal aims to create an accessible, engaging, and evidence-based virtual hub to address the psychological and relational impact of conspiracy theories and misinformation on Saskatchewan individuals, couple and families. The team will create a website with practical resources and information on conspiracy theories and misinformation.

This website will include information sheets, infographics, support resources and tip sheets to help users better understand what conspiracies are, how individuals can recognize misinformation, and ways to support loved ones and family members. This website will provide an important psycho-educational resource promoting healthier coping strategies and conflict resolution for family members and have potential positive impact on mental health and well-being.

Remai Modern’s proposed program will utilize and build upon the knowledge gained through the community-engaged art initiative: Belong Where You Find Yourself (BWYFY). Supported by Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit as a part of the Dementia Supports in Rural Saskatchewan project, BWYFY explored the lived experiences of people who are impacted by dementia.

Remai Modern will work with the lead artists of BWYFY, Alana Moore and Amber Phelps Bondaroff, to facilitate a program that will educate general audiences on dementia and provide dementia support training for the museum’s Learning and Engagement staff. On April 24, we will host a public film screening of the BWYFY documentary, panel discussion, and reception to promote dementia awareness and conduct an exit survey to gather data about public perceptions of dementia. We will also deliver a training session and workshop to help staff more effectively deliver art activities to residents living with dementia.

Saskatchewan is experiencing a critical shortage of healthcare providers, including anesthesiologists, resulting in serious consequences for patient care and the growing surgical backlog. Team-based care is a model that allows every health professional on the team to work at the top of their scope of practice. Non-physician health professionals (e.g. nurse practitioners, anesthesia assistants, anesthesia techs) currently contribute to team-based anesthesia care in Saskatchewan under the supervision of a physician by pre-filling medication orders and prescriptions, and providing technical support and maintenance for anesthesia equipment.

We plan a knowledge mobilization campaign for healthcare providers, decision-makers, patients, and families to explore models of expanded team-based care from other Canadian provinces that could alleviate the burden on anesthesiologists and reduce surgical wait times for patients in Saskatchewan.

This project aims to enhance stroke care in Saskatchewan by providing in-person, site-specific education to healthcare professionals at primary stroke centers around Saskatchewan. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and timely treatment significantly improves patient outcomes. The initiative will equip physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals with the latest knowledge and skills based on Canadian Stroke Best Practices. Educational sessions will focus on the full stroke care continuum, from prevention to recovery, and will be tailored to each center's needs.

By strengthening relationships between primary and comprehensive stroke centers, the program aims to improve stroke care, reduce treatment times, and increase patient outcomes. The project will also assess impact through feedback from participants and monitoring key stroke metrics, such as thrombolysis rates. Ultimately, the initiative will contribute to improved, cost-effective stroke care across the province.

Pole walking has been identified as a potential exercise therapy for older adults at risk of fracture, with improved quality of life found with participation. A current community-based pole walking group provides an opportunity to learn more about implementation to support patient-oriented intervention. Diverse stakeholders, including older adults at risk of fracture and their healthcare providers, will be involved to help understanding how to implement pole walking intervention in community. A workshop event will be held share perspectives, build consensus, and make decisions for a co-designed longer pole walking intervention.

By working together and learning from all stakeholders, particularly patient-partners and peer-trainers, this project aims to collaboratively develop an evidence-based expansion of pole walking interventions to reduce the risk of falls and fractures and enhance the wellbeing and independence of older adults at risk.

Radon gas is in every home, and Saskatchewan has some of the highest radon levels in the world. Radon gas exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is connected to the deaths of over 3,300 Canadians annually. Through an analysis of radon tests that have been conducted across 550+ unique locations throughout the province since 2011, Lung Saskatchewan will develop a radon mapping tool. This tool will be web-based and will provide a visual of radon levels across the province. This tool will be accompanied by a detailed report of radon in Saskatchewan.

Both the interactive resource and the report will be made easily accessible online to promote widespread radon awareness and education, and will be promoted through various virtual channels. Long-term radon knowledge sharing contributes to the reduction of lung cancer incidence caused by radon exposure through enhanced radon testing and mitigation efforts.