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Exploring Responsive and Supportive Cancer Care for Racialized Adolescents and Young Adults
Get PDF2024Abstract Supervisory Committee:
Dr. Cheryl A. Heykoop, Supervisor
(School of Leadership Studies, Royal Roads University)
Tiffany T. Hill, Committee Member
(School of Leadership Studies, Royal Roads University)
This thesis focuses on exploring responsive and supportive cancer care for racialized adolescents and young adults (AYAs) in BC through engagement with healthcare professionals working at BC Cancer. Drawing upon participatory action research (PAR) and patient-oriented research (POR) methodologies, the study engaged healthcare professionals through a modified focus group and semi-structured interviews to explore how they could be more supportive and responsive to racialized AYAs navigating cancer care in BC. The research was approved by Royal Roads University and the BC Cancer Research Ethics Boards and adhered to the Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Research Involving Humans.
Prior to engaging healthcare providers for this thesis project, Anew Research Collaborative (Anew) conducted interviews with racialized AYAs as a part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)-funded project aimed to improve cancer care for racialized AYAs in BC. The interviews were analyzed through a thorough and comprehensive data analysis process to generate the preliminary themes and quotes shared with healthcare professionals. It is important to note that the author of this thesis is a team member of Anew.
Findings from this thesis research with healthcare professionals highlight the need for culturally responsive training and education, the role of burnout amongst healthcare professionals, and the need to prioritize responsive programs and services for racialized AYAs. Findings also draw attention to the importance of healthcare professionals listening to, seeking to understand, creating safety, and advocating with racialized AYAs in the cancer care system to co-create change that is supportive and reflective of patient needs and realities.
Keywords: Adolescent and young adults (AYA), Racialized AYAs, Racism, Systemic Racism, Cancer car
Beyond the walls: Enhancing post-secondary environments through nature-inspired designs for well-being and productivity
No full textBiophilia is the inherent human inclination to connect with nature (Wilson, 1984); it reflects our deep-rooted affinity for the natural world, impacting our emotions, psychology, and health. This master's thesis, "Beyond the Walls: Enhancing Post-Secondary Environments Through Nature-Inspired Design for Well-being and Productivity," explores the transformative potential of nature-based (biophilic) designs within educational settings, particularly at Vancouver Island University. The study investigates how integrating these elements into the built environment can positively impact students and faculty members' well-being and productivity. The research delves into the preferences, behaviours, and interactions within spaces infused with biophilic elements through a mixed-methods approach, encompassing qualitative and quantitative analyses and detailed observational studies. Observations serve as the primary method for collecting data, offering direct insights into the real-time impacts of these designs on daily activities and engagements. The findings suggest that such designs enhance academic performance and foster a deeper connection with nature, promoting sustainability and community cohesion. Implementing biophilic principles, including the strategic use of natural light, plant life, and sustainable materials, creates stimulating and restorative learning environments, thus advocating for a holistic educational experience that prepares students for academic success and a sustainable future.Major project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
Supporting Diverse Perspectives Through Meaningful Patient Advisor and Provider Co-Design Partnerships
No full text2024As a learning organization, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has progressed its culture of meaningful patient engagement by committing to effective partnerships anchored in co-design principles. However, challenges still need to be addressed regarding including more diverse perspectives in its approaches. This qualitative Action Research project used a multi-method approach to explore the question: How might the AHS Primary Health Care portfolio improve patient advisor and provider partnerships to support the inclusion of diverse perspectives while engaging in co-design processes? Data was gathered and collated from AHS provincial staff experienced in co-design using semi-structured interviews and AHS patient and family advisors who participated in a small group workshop. Key findings and conclusions support the three pillars of Engagement-Capable Environments that emphasize patient, staff, and leadership level efforts. Further results reinforce co-design principles of managing power dynamics, relationship building, and communication practices before expanding upon the complex principle of diversity. The last finding highlights barriers and recommendations for strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Recommendations going forward include informing a program level strategy, education, and resources; understanding and applying an equity and inclusion lens; and including adaptable multi-method engagement approaches within co-design approaches. This research was reviewed and approved by both the Royal Roads University and the University of Alberta Ethics Boards
Understanding needs and knowledge of education assistants in British Columbia
No full textAs the demand and need for support workers increases in the classroom, it is pressing to understand the training background and development needs of the education assistants who support students with exceptionalities. This needs assessment asks what EAs know and what further knowledge is still needed in order for paraprofessionals to use best practices when supporting students’ academic and behavioural needs. This study’s survey askes education assistants from a Northern BC school district about their education background, current professional training, and collaborative practices with classroom and special education teachers. This study can provide a keen insight into EA understanding and what steps are required to further develop their skills
Qualitatively recognizing the dimensions of student environmental identity development within the classroom context
No full textThis article was originally published as: Simms, W. & Shanahan, M.-C. (2024). Qualitatively recognizing the dimensions of student environmental identity development within the classroom context. Journal of Research in Science Teaching. 61(1), 3-37. https://doi.org/10.1002/tea.21863This study qualitatively explored the process of student environmental identity development (sEID) within the highly social and structured context of elementary school science. Social practice theory was used as the lens to distinguish the dimensions of sEID that were visible during a curriculum-based, in-school program focused on the issue of pollution. Student narratives, collected from small group interviews and reflective journals, were prioritized to capture the process of students in context identifying as “being for the environment.” Data collected from 35 grade six students were qualitatively coded, a network diagram was used to visualize the relationships in the data, and a research vignette was constructed. Eight dimensions were recognized as contributing to sEID; the opportunity to be an environmental actor with peers, increased awareness of environmental threat, emotional responses, self-recognition for environmental action, perceived agency, changed behavior across social contexts, social recognition for identity actions, and personal meaning. While many of these dimensions have been directly or indirectly discussed in the research on adult environmentalists, shifting the emphasis from group membership to the individual student in context led to the addition of two dimensions—personal meaning and emotional responses. Recognizing the eight dimensions of sEID is an important contribution to the literature as students engaging in environmental action as a requirement of school is distinct from the existing research. Identifying the dimensions of sEID can support the intentional design of learning sequences that foster environmental identities in school and beyond
Trace detection of adulterants in illicit opioid samples using surface-enhanced Raman scattering and random forest classification
No full textThis article was originally published as: Martens, R.R., Gozdzialski, L., Newman, E., Gill, C., Wallace, B., & Hore, D.K. (2024). Trace detection of adulterants in illicit opioid samples using surface-enhanced Raman scattering and random forest classification. Analytical Chemistry, 96(30), 12277-12285. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.4c01271The detection of trace adulterants in opioid samples is an important aspect of drug checking, a harm reduction measure that is required as a result of the variability and unpredictability of the illicit drug supply. While many analytical methods are suitable for such analysis, community-based approaches require techniques that are amenable to point-of-care applications with minimal sample preparation and automated analysis. We demonstrate that surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), combined with a random forest classifier, is able to detect the presence of two common sedatives, bromazolam (0.32–36% w/w) and xylazine (0.15–15% w/w), found in street opioid samples collected as a part of a community drug checking service. The Raman predictions, benchmarked against mass spectrometry results, exhibited high specificity (88% for bromazolam, 96% for xylazine) and sensitivity (88% for bromazolam, 92% for xylazine) for the compounds of interest. We additionally provide evidence that this exceeds the performance of a more conventional approach using infrared spectral data acquired on the same samples. This demonstrates the feasibility of SERS for point-of-care analysis of challenging multicomponent samples containing trace adulterants.Published as part of Analytical Chemistry virtual special issue “Celebrating 50 Years of Surface Enhanced Spectroscopy”.This project was funded by a grant from the Health Canada Substance Use and Addictions program (1819-HQ-000042), with additional support from the Vancouver Foundation (F0120-5607), BC Ministry of Mental Health & Addictions, and Vancouver Island Health Authority
Cover Cropping on the Canadian Prairies: A Mixed Methods Study to Gain Understanding of Cover Crop Agronomic Practices Among Farmers
No full text2025Cover crops (CC) can provide multiple benefits to farmers and society by reducing greenhouse gases, improving soil health and regional biodiversity, increase climate resiliency, and provide ecosystem services. However, currently within the Canadian Prairie agriculture systems, the recent use of CC is limited with upwards of 100,000 acres seeded. Farmer responses in previous surveys indicated they need more information of CC agronomy and performance to support incorporating CC into their farming systems. The objective of this research is to collect and relate important factors regarding CC use: practices, producer goals, challenges, performance, and benefits through a survey and interviews with Prairie farmers that have grown CC. Analysis between two subgroups; farmers with livestock vs farmers without livestock; and semiarid vs subhumid Prairie regions was completed. A key learning was that there were general similarities in CC goals, challenges and benefits across the Prairies, despite identified differences in production type or geography, a finding supported by the interviews. Common goals included, but not limited to, increasing soil organic matter and biodiversity, providing additional grazing for livestock, and reducing cash crop inputs. CC species and crop rotations are similar across the Prairies. Common challenges are found with fertility and residue management, CC stand establishment, and crop rotations. Farmers have built confidence in the benefits of CC through improved water retention, reduced soil erosion, reductions in cash crop inputs, and additional grazing opportunities. A new finding is that farmers are taking advantage of volunteers and letting them grow as a CC.
Additional research to further substantiate findings in this project regarding the use of volunteers as a CC, evaluation of nitrogen impacts on grazing, CC impacts on SOM, and CC residue management, will bring further value to Prairie farmers
Making Leadership Development Accessible Through Reflexive, First-Person Practice: Increasing Awareness of Interconnection, Wise Action, and Conscious Living
Get PDF2024This first-person study explored the question, “How might developing my reflexive, conscious, and wise relational leadership enhance my capacities to support others’ leadership in the world?” In support of collective wellness and equitable action, the study emphasizes Etuaptmumk, the Mi’kmaw concept of two-eyed seeing or the gift of multiple perspectives. With an emphasis on diverse viewpoints, interdisciplinary streams of thought are integrated throughout the research design. To balance structure and autonomy, the study is underpinned by a theoretical framework inspired by an Indigenist approach of relationality, Theory U presencing, and Collaborative Developmental Action Inquiry. Relevant literature investigated three interconnected aspects of how individuals come to know and act in the world, including how we construct knowledge through worldview and ways of knowing, evaluate knowledge through critical thinking and epistemic cognition, and understand ourselves through self-concept and self-awareness. Adhering to the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Policy, various qualitative methods were used, including prompted and free-flowing journalling, video self-interviews, and feedback partner dialogue. The research suggests that questioning internalized beliefs, fostering wise learning, and partnering learning with frameworks and intentional action can make leadership development more accessible and effective. Specific tools to foster wise, relational learning are included. Keywords: first-person action research; relational leadership, Etuaptmumk; accessible leadership development; conscious leadership; leadership development tools.
Exploring the Meaning of Smallholder Lifestyle in Gabriola, BC: Land Food People Triangle
Get PDF2024In the current epoch of the Anthropocene, ecological destruction driven by human activities, including climate change, ecosystem degradation, and the food crisis, poses significant challenges. Unsustainable food practices are major contributors to this ecological crisis. The smallholder lifestyle, central to regenerative alternative food systems, offers effective pathways to explore sustainable living. This thesis employs Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to investigate the smallholder lifestyle. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight smallholders living in Gabriola, BC, from which interpretative accounts were developed. Through the lens of lifestyle movements theory, this thesis aims to uncover the meanings of participants’ smallholder lifestyle experiences and identify their social significance. Based on empirical findings, the “land-food-people triangle” is proposed to conceptualize the essence of the three key agencies within the smallholder lifestyle and their interwoven relationships. Moreover, situated within the proposed conceptual framework, recommendations are provided as decision-supporting tools for local and regional policymakers and regulators. Additionally, this research provides insights into the power of individualized food practices, lifestyle decisions, and civic food societies, in driving sustainable social transformations
Why Don’t We Practice? Weaving Simulation into the Fabric of Quality Care
Get PDF2024As complexity and unpredictability continually challenge the British Columbia (BC) healthcare system, there is an increasing need for more comprehensive learning strategies to support healthcare practitioners. When delivered effectively, simulation-based learning creates opportunities for interprofessional interaction, embodied practice, and improved team performance. This research explored how the Simulation Program at BC Children’s Hospital and BC Women’s Hospital could be enhanced for improved quality care within increasingly dynamic environments replete with uncertainty. Using an action research framework with participatory reflection, focus groups and interviews offered insight into the experiences of simulation practitioners across BC, giving rise to four key recommendations: build awareness through a clearly articulated vision; strengthen partnerships to ensure synergy with executive and operational leaders for a culture of continued learning; revitalize strategic planning and goal setting for organizational alignment; and create a research-driven environment, developing appropriate metrics that measure and optimize the fuller value proposition of simulation