Studies & Initiatives
Improving the Aging Experiences Through Joint Research Efforts
The Saskatoon Council on Aging forms partnerships with academic institutions, various groups, and healthcare professionals. These collaborations provide essential support for research projects dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults.
SCOA is honoured to have collaborated on the following research initiatives, all committed to advancing the cause of healthy aging.
Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation: Building Bridges in Seniors' Housing
Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).
This project addresses the growing concerns of loneliness and social isolation among older adults, led by Dr. Donna Goodridge from the College of Medicine and Dr. Jennifer Briere from St. Thomas More College. Loneliness and social isolation in the aging community have become more prevalent due to the rise in one-person households and the geographical separation of families.
The project's goal is to collaboratively create, implement, and assess patient-oriented strategies to combat loneliness and social isolation within two seniors' social housing units. This endeavour is in collaboration with SCOA members and patient partners from the community, employing various research methods guided by Age-Friendly and Positive Aging principles to develop a sustainable program that effectively addresses these challenges.
Health Literacy, Deferred and Virtual Health Care Visits and Health Concerns of Tenants in Social Housing during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Funded by the Rapid Response Research Initiative, College of Medicine.
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted significant changes in how patients and the healthcare system address routine health concerns. Media reports have highlighted a decrease in the public's willingness to seek treatment in Emergency Departments and primary care settings since the pandemic's outbreak in mid-March 2020. Dr. Donna Goodridge leads this study to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the utilization of primary care and Emergency services among social housing tenants. To achieve this, we will interview 40 social housing tenants to uncover the impact of COVID-19 on their healthcare utilization.
No Patient Left Behind: Electronic Health Record [EHR] Use in Saskatchewan
Funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the Saskatchewan Centre for Patient-Oriented Research.
Dr. Tracie Risling, from the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan, collaborated with SCOA on the research project 'No Patient Left Behind: EHR Use in Saskatchewan.' This study focused on assisting patients across the province in adopting and utilising their electronic health records (EHRs). We conducted information sessions to gather insights from participants regarding their preferred methods of learning about EHRs, the challenges they face when using EHRs, and the potential types of support that could assist EHR users.
Pain Knowledge Needs of Family Caregivers and Persons with Dementia
Funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation Advancement Inc.
Dr. Susan Tupper and the Pain Dementia Virtual Reality Research Team are embarking on an inventive journey to create a comprehensive pain management training program. This program caters to family caregivers and individuals grappling with cognitive impairments related to dementia. One remarkable aspect of this program is the integration of cutting-edge virtual reality (VR) videos, which promise to revolutionise how we educate family members and dementia patients about pain.
This initiative stands out due to its significant collaboration with family members, who will actively shape the training program to cater to the specific needs of older adults in Saskatchewan. The primary objective is to empower families with improved pain management skills, enabling them to address pain effectively, alleviate suffering, and mitigate the negative consequences often associated with living in pain.
Towards Improving The Quality Of Life For Long-Term Care Residents: Exploring The Current Factors Affecting Healthcare Provision And Health Outcomes
Funded by a SPROUT grant through the SK Health Research Foundation and CIHR.
Dr. Roslyn Compton, Ph.D. RN and Assistant Professor at the College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, led this project. In its first phase, the study aimed to collect descriptive data on Long Term Care practices. This data was intended to provide valuable insights for developing innovative care models tailored to residents aged 65 and older who may face acute medical conditions or chronic illness exacerbations.
However, the data collection for this project faced interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown of all Long Term Care facilities. As a result, a revised project proposal is currently under review by the funders. This new study will explore participants' experiences from the previous research project during the COVID-19 response.
The Lived Experience of COVID-19 in Saskatchewan Project
Funded by a Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation grant.
Under the leadership of Natasha Hubbard Murdoch, Heather Nelson, and Lindsey Boechler, research chairs at the Saskatchewan Polytechnic Centre for Health Research, Improvement, and Scholarship (CHRIS), this project encompassed various studies capturing the perspectives of front-line healthcare workers, seniors in home isolation, clinical educators, and nursing students. By learning from these shared experiences, we aim to enhance support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.
Given the pressing issue of social isolation among seniors in Saskatchewan, particularly during pandemic-related physical distancing measures, SCOA applauds research projects that prioritize this concern and gather recommendations from seniors. Additionally, research that delves into the experiences of nurses, paramedics, and law enforcement officers working with seniors across different settings and in the community provides a comprehensive understanding of older adults' lives.
Under Reporting of Abuse
Funded by the Prairie Action Foundation.
Conducted in the three prairie provinces, the "Under Reporting of Abuse" study aimed to investigate the reasons and circumstances contributing to underreporting cases of neglect and abuse among older adults. This comprehensive study sought to bridge knowledge gaps across individuals, communities, and services while delving into the help-seeking behaviours of older adults. The project encompassed various phases, including environmental and media analysis, a thorough literature review, qualitative interviews, and the compilation of annual reports.
The ultimate objective is to derive insights from these findings and utilize them in formulating recommendations to enhance opportunities for disclosure and improve services for older adults."
Virtual Socialization Hubs: Connecting Older Adults
Funded by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation.
SCOA partners with the University of Saskatchewan for a pilot project led by researcher Megan E. O'Connell, an Associate Professor and clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychology. The first part involves teaching older adults how to use Zoom for better social connections. Clinical psychology graduate students supervised by Dr. O'Connell will assist those unfamiliar with Zoom through phone guidance. Some will receive personalized tutorials, while those facing more significant challenges will receive individual cognitive rehabilitation therapy to help them adapt to new technology.
The second part of this project aims to establish Zoom groups for entertainment, social interaction, and educational sessions covering various topics, including health and mental well-being.
We're Here to Help
Do you have questions about the Saskatoon Council on Aging? Feel free to reach out - we're here to help.