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Research
Updated: May 26, 2009
Access
Universal access to high quality palliative care is a priority area for Canada's National and Provincial governments1, however, few Canadian's receive hospice palliative care services specializing in end-of-life (EOL) care2. Investigators Dr. Grace Johnson and Dr. Maria Cristina Barroetavena lead the NET’s research in predictors of EOL hospital use and service utilization.
Caregivers
Research at the Cross-Cultural Palliative NET includes investigation into the needs of patient and family caregivers; specifically, dimensions of quality-of-life in palliative care, compassion satisfaction/fatigue, and culturally sensitive long-term health care services.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Although several studies document CAM use in Canada, very little is known about CAM and alternative health service utilization in ethno-cultural minority groups. This is an area currently being considered by NET investigator, Dr. Anne Leis.
Culture
This cross-cutting theme shapes how individuals understand cancer, illness, suffering and dying. An integrated approach to palliative and end-of-life care is crucial and must address patients' and families' needs beyond the physical to encompass the psychological, social, cultural and spiritual determinants of health.
Knowledge Translation
Also a cross-cutting theme, knowledge translation is defined as a "dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system" (CIHR, 2008). A gap exists between the production of research knowledge and its implementation as evidence-based practice, planning, and decision-making in the health care system. The CIHR Cross-Cultural Palliative NET attempts to bridge this gap.
1. Health Canada, 2002; CSCC, 2002
2. BC Ministry of Health, 2002; NS Department of Health, 1994; Health Canada, 2000
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