The Knowledge Translation Challenge is a collaborative initiative supporting clinicians in applying research evidence to improve health care delivery across B.C.
About the Knowledge Translation Challenge
Knowledge Translation (KT) is the art and science of moving evidence into health care policy and practice. The KT Challenge is designed to support teams of clinicians who want to learn how to use evidence to make practice changes and improve health care in real life.
The KT Challenge will:
- Support staff who do not have knowledge translation experience.
- Help teams design knowledge translation projects.
- Provide access to knowledge translation resources, training, mentorship and potential funding.
Accepted teams will receive training to learn the basics of KT and the chance to receive funding (up to $5,000) to support a KT initiative.
Applications for the 2026 KT Challenge cohort are open until Friday, October 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Please review the information below to ensure you are eligible and submit a letter of intent by the deadline in order to be considered.
Eligibility
The KT Challenge is designed to support teams of Fraser Health, Vancouver Coastal Health, BC Cancer, Northern Health and Providence Health Care clinicians who may not have much knowledge translation expertise but are responsible for moving evidence into practice. There must be a minimum of two people per team. Teams can be inter-professional. All team leaders must be consistently working 0.5 FTE or greater at their organization (full-time, part-time or casual).
KT Challenge Timeline
In order to express interest in participating in the 2026 KT Challenge, please submit a letter of intent by Friday, October 17, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Letters of intent will be reviewed and selected teams will be invited to move forward in the KT Challenge.
Upon acceptance, participants will be required to:
- Meet with their organization’s KT Challenge team lead to discuss their project between November 17-28, 2025.
- Attend virtual workshops on the following dates:
- Workshop 1: December 4, 2025, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Workshop 2: January 29, 2026, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
- Workshop 3: February 26, 2026, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Please refer to the KT Challenge Roadmap for more information on required activities and dates. In order to be considered for funding, teams must submit a full application by Friday, April 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Further details on the full application process will be provided to teams during the required workshops.
How to apply
- Submit a letter of intent by Friday, October 17, 2025.
- Please refer to the KT Challenge poster and letter of intent examples for support. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Kwon at ashley.kwon@fraserhealth.ca.
Fraser Health is pleased to partner with BC Cancer, Northern Health, Providence Health Care and Vancouver Coastal Health on the KT Challenge program.
2025 Projects
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AI-generated handout for common Intensive Care Unit conditions and treatments
Team lead: Dr. Ishtiaq Ahmed, site medical director, Burnaby Hospital and ICU physician, Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, Burnaby Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Team members: Fiona Howarth, clinical nurse specialist, Critical Care Network.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.
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Development and implementation of a decision tool to help pharmacists decide whether medical cannabis or cannabinoids can be safely and effectively prescribed for patients with chronic pain
Team lead: Anita Ho, clinical pharmacist, Surrey North Delta Primary Care Network.
Team members: Audrey Hempel, clinical pharmacist, Vancouver Primary Care Network; Charlotte Bohmert, clinical pharmacist, Vancouver Primary Care Network; Daniel Liu, clinical pharmacist, Fraser Northwest Primary Care Network; Wendy Tacubachavelas, clinical pharmacist, White Rock South Surrey Primary Care Network.
Funders: Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
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Development of a decision support tool: Standardization of Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEEVS) procedure in Fraser Health and accompanying education
Team lead: Devon McConnachie, regional SLP educator, Learning Strategies and Professional Practice.
Team members: Geoff Fullerton, interim SLP clinical practice leader, Peace Arch hospital and Delta Hospital; Stephanie Patterson, clinical supervisor, Speech Language Pathology, Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Funders: Peace Arch Hospital Foundation.
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Enhancing the use of Subjective Global Assessment and Handgrip Strength among dietitians working with adults with chronic kidney disease
Team lead: Laila Akbar, registered dietitian, Hemodialysis, Abbotsford Regional Hospital.
Team members: Shelly Messenger, registered dietitian and dietitian practice lead; Nicole Huang, registered dietitian, Hemodialysis; Rebekah Sandhu, registered dietitian and research dietitian/educator.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC, Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.
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The fortification: Enhancing education at discharge (FEED)
Team lead: Erin Starman, registered dietitian, Pediatrics.
Team members: Kaila Jabs, registered dietitian, NICU; Sara de Roy, registered dietitian, pediatric and NICU registered dietitian supervisor; Rebekah Sandhu, registered dietitian, project mentor, Research.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
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Less painful pelvic exams
Team lead: Jessica Adaszynski, physiotherapist.
Team members: Amanda Lewis, registered nurse; Melanie Chow, patient partner; Joty Grewal, patient partner; Laurie Chiesa, manager, Chronic Pain Clinic.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
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Reducing unnecessary ER transfers implementing the Quick Alert Tool in long-term care
Team lead: Mohinder Mann, quality partner, Long-term Care and Assisted Living.
Team members: Candace Larson, manager, Integrated Long-term Care and Assisted Living, Quality, Research and Initiatives.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC and Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation.
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Using P0.1 to predict extubation success
Team lead: Jaimie Trodden, clinical resource therapist, Respiratory Therapy.
Team members: Jessica Lu, regional educator, Respiratory Therapy, Learning Strategies and Innovations; Scott Mattu, clinical resource therapist, Respiratory Therapy; Sung Bin Choi, core ICU therapist and respiratory therapist.
Funders: Michael Smith Health Research BC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation.