We believe health research is vital to the improved health of Saskatchewan citizens. SHRF-funded research, aligned with the needs of the province, is moving us towards Horizons where we will see better health care, healthier communities and brighter futures. This newsletter features the impact-driven stories and partnerships from the last quarter that are contributing to achieving these goals.
Caregiving for family members with dementia
Research projects exploring whether virtual supports reduce heavy stress experienced by Indigenous caregivers
A pair of new research projects jointly funded by the SHRF and the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan (ASOS) are exploring ways to harness the power of the internet to deliver culturally safe support to Indigenous caregivers. One is looking at whether virtual support groups can help caregivers better understand dementia and cope with the pressures that come from looking after a family member who has the disease. The second is exploring whether providing caregivers with access to a “toolkit” of online resources makes them better equipped to care for their family members and to attend to their own mental and physical wellbeing.
Both projects are being conducted in partnership with File Hills Qu'Appelle (FHQ) Tribal Council, which oversees programs and services for 11 First Nations in the Treaty Four Territory in southern Saskatchewan. They are supported by Innovation Grants and are the first to be awarded as part of SHRF’s new Solutions program.
Joanne Bracken, CEO of the ASOS, hopes the projects will build the evidence base upon which ASOS can develop and deliver effective, culturally appropriate programming. “Hopefully [these projects] can serve as models that can be used across Canada,” says Bracken. “This is an opportunity to learn how to better engage and work with Indigenous people, so we can provide more culturally specific support for caregivers.” Read more >
Implementation Science in Long-Term Care: Researchers team up with long-term care staff and residents’ families to test strategies for reintegrating care partners during pandemic
Long-term care homes have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new project, led by University of Regina's Natasha Gallant and working with Eden Care Communities is getting underway this spring.
The team will be iteratively testing a series of tools and strategies identified by the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement as best practices for more closely involving essential care partners in long-term care. The tools include such things as staff education on the role of essential care partners and communication strategies to ensure essential care partners are properly identified, screened, and educated around facility-specific safety protocols. Read more >
With the strain of the pandemic weighing on many aspects of the health system and how people have been able to access care over the past year, SHRF has invested a total of over $1M to support interdisciplinary research teams to develop, implement and evaluate virtual care approaches to many of the health challenges our province faces.
Related Stories
Partnership Highlights
Saskatchewan Research Chair in Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia: 10 Years of Impact
Research provides hope for people living with dementia. The Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan and SHRF are celebrating our 10-year partnership and the impact of Darrell Mousseau.
As the Saskatchewan Research Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias comes to an end, both organizations want to thank Dr. Mousseau for his efforts that have advanced our knowledge of the disease and provided the basis for future research. We know your continued work will provide even more answers that will move research in the area forward. It is this work that strengthens our hope for earlier detection, better treatments, and fulfilling the vision of “a world without Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.”
New USask radiotracers could be key for new treatments and early detection for Parkinson’s - With support from SHRF, Chris Phenix has been awarded US$150,000 by The Michael J. Fox Foundation
A new study, co-led by Nazeem Muhajarine and Tamara Hinz will assess the impact of COVID-19 on kids and families in Saskatchewan. Co-funded by SHRF and Mental Health Research Canada
SHRF was proud to sponsor Ramona Kyabaggu, Cheryl Camillo and Tim Maciag’s presention on Aging in Place at Eden Care Communities’ EngAGE 21 Conference in March. Watch it here. And listen to Ramona on CBC Radio further discussing the project supported by SHRF’s Solutions Program.
Four new made-in-Saskatchewan research projects funded by Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation will help moms and kids. SHRF is proud to partner with Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation to administer the Research Grant Program.
#SHRFie Spotlight
Congratulations to SHRF Board Member Brandy Winquist, project lead for new national data platform to track risks and benefits of medication use during pregnancy
SHRF was featured as part of Innovation Place’s Meet the Tenants series. Check it out!
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