Implementation Science Teams – Strengthening Pandemic Preparedness in Long-Term Care

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the health and care of older adults, with particularly devastating consequences for those residing in some long-term care (LTC) (also referred to as nursing homes) and retirement homes.

Canada has had a higher reported national proportion of COVID-19 deaths for LTC residents than any other country worldwide, with more than 80% of total COVID-19 deaths occurring in LTC homes.^1,2

In partnership with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF), Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF), Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR) and Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI), we are supporting ten Implementation Science Implementation Science is defined as the scientific study of the methods and strategies used to implement evidence informed interventions into routine healthcare in clinical, organizational or policy context. One of the biggest challenges in applied health services and policy research is implementing evidence-informed interventions into policy Teams (ISTs) to strengthen pandemic preparedness in long-term care (LTC).

ISTs will work in partnership with interested LTC+ program teams to  evaluate the outcomes and impacts of six identified promising practice interventions³The 6 identified promising practice interventions that have the potential to help organizations prepare for future outbreaks, or mitigate their effects are: preparation, prevention, people in the workforce, pandemic response and surge capacity, planning for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care and presence of family.  and policy options within and across LTC and retirement homes in Canada. This research will generate evidence on what interventions are most effective, in what settings and contexts, and why. ISTs may also support the sustainability, scale and spread of promising interventions to other homes and jurisdictions, contributing to the sectors overall pandemic preparedness.

The funding opportunity

The ISTs are being funded by CIHR, NBHRF, SHRF and MSFHR. Up to $1,555,000 will support ten IST teams from across the country.

Implementation Science Teams

Applying teams will need to consist of:

• An independent researcher appointed at an eligible Canadian Institution and with expertise in implementation science and/or LTC research.

• At least one independent researcher with expertise in implementation science and/or LTC research (the Principal Applicant).
• A knowledge-user with decision making authority from participating LTC+ program homes.
• At least one resident/family member/caregivers (or care partners) with lived experience.
• At least one early career researcher or trainee with expertise in implementation science, health services and policy research, and/or LTC research.
• Applying teams need to partner with at least two homes who are participating in the LTC+ program and of different jurisdictions (municipality, city, health region or province/territory). One of these homes must be an LTC home. 

IST Common Measurement Framework Project

Teams can also apply to coordinate and lead the IST Common Measurement Framework Project which will inform a collective understanding across ISTs and their LTC+ program partners of the enablers and barriers to implementation success and impact. Supplementary funding will be available to this coordinating team.

How to apply

Teams need to register and apply via the online portal. For full details, download the funding opportunity document.

Download the IST funding opportunity document

Key dates

• Information webinar: September 9, 2020

The recording from this webinar can be viewed on demand via YouTube »

• Registration deadline: September 14, 2020 at 11:59pm. ET
• Applications due: September 30, 2020 at 11:59pm. ET
• Anticipated notice of decision and funding start: November 1, 2020

Register via on the online portal

---

---