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.
The intake for Letters of Intent for the KT Challenge 2026 is now closed. Please check back in September 2026 for updates on future opportunities to join the KT Challenge.
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 (for currently participating 2026 teams)
Teams who received notification in Fall 2025 that their Letter of Intent and project were accepted into the 2026 KT Challenge are required to complete all the required activities (see KT Challenge Roadmap), including attending three virtual workshops and submitting a full application.
In order to be considered for funding, teams must submit their application by Friday, April 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.
More information on the full application process, including a copy of the application form and guidelines, can be found in the KT Challenge Learning Hub online course.
If you have any questions about the KT Challenge, please contact Titilola Yakubu at titilola.yakubu@fraserhealth.ca.
Resources
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.