Covenant Health Lethbridge recognizes the role of research in enhancing the quality of life of older adults and people with chronic or terminal illnesses as well as the impact on family and staff memebers. Numerous conversations have taken place between Covenant Health Lethbridge and the University of Lethbridge as well as the Lethbridge Colledge to discuss collaborative efforts.
Staff members have offered suggestions on clinical research areas of interest or student involvement. They are as follows:
REHABILITATION
- Measuring tool to determine effectiveness of day program interventions
- Art therapy or on-going art classes
- Supported conversation for aphasia
- Influence of high repetitive activities with stroke patients
- Brain training with computer program for stroke patients
- Use of vibration trainer, outcom measures or programming
- Rehabilitation in community support beds
- Impact of footwear on elderly falls
- Ritalin use in stroke rehabilitation
LONG TERM CARE
- Cost effectiveness and use of silver catheters
- Bowel routine management
- Hydration programs for residents
- Educational approach to quality improvement for front line staff
- Effective activity programming for residents
DESIGNATED ASSISTED LIVING
- Fall rates on seniors choosing to live at risk
- Study of the model of care specific to Social Work components
- Intergenerational projects
- Influence of murals in dementia
- Domography shifts in populations
OTHER
- Ergonomics of furnishings and building layout
- Palliative volunteer training and benefits
- Worksite job demands analysis
- Green and sustainable initiatives in the health care system
- Involvement of family resident council in implementation of resident programming
- HR and work habits in culture
To discuss opportunities of study and research within a Covenant Health Lethbridge facility, interested investigators are encouraged to contact the Research Coordinator (phone 403.382.6414; FAX 403.382.6413; e-mail brandie.lea@covenanthealth.ca ) if they wish to discuss their potential submissions.