The Knowledge Translation (KT) Challenge is a collaborative initiative historically run by Providence Health Care, Vancouver Coastal Health and BC Cancer. This year, Fraser Health and Northern Health are offering the program in their regions.
The KT program is designed to empower health care professionals to implement practice changes that enhance patient care. We're proud to announce that eight Fraser Health teams have been awarded KT Challenge grants—each averaging $5,000—supported by our local hospital foundations and Michael Smith Health Research BC. While the funding may be modest, the impact on patient outcomes is profound.
“By translating research into practice, KT can lead to improved patient outcomes and health care services,” says Kate Keetch, director, Evaluation and Research Services, Fraser Health. “When health care providers have access to the latest evidence and understand how to apply it, they can contribute to quality improvement and innovation in the system. That is what the KT Challenge is all about and we are thrilled that so many teams are learning and leading out on projects in this inaugural year across Fraser Health.”
Less Painful Pelvic Exams – Surrey Memorial Hospital
Ask any woman about her least favourite thing and a pelvic exam may top the list. The internal exams are an important piece of reproductive health and help clinicians detect conditions including infections and cancer. Although uncomfortable, pelvic exams are not meant to be painful.
“We do know that some people experience pain during pelvic exams and we think we can help with that,” says Jessica Adaszynski, a physiotherapist who practices pelvic health.
Thanks to a Knowledge Translation grant funded by Fraser Health, Michael Smith Health Research BC and Surrey Hospitals Foundation, Jessica and her colleagues Amanda Lewis, registered nurse and Laurie Chiesa, manager of the Chronic Pain Clinic at the Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgical Centre, are developing training protocols and patient information for the Family Birthing Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Staff will learn techniques to provide more comfortable experiences for patients. Visual aids—including a new high-tech plastic pelvis—will help patients better understand what clinicians are doing.
“With newer procedures including take-home cervical screening, some birthing parents arrive at the Family Birthing Unit with no previous experience of what to expect during a pelvic exam,” Jessica says. “By training clinicians and providing patients with as much information as possible, we hope to alleviate pelvic pain and improve the patient experience.”
To learn more about the KT Challenge, visit fraserhealth.ca/KTChallenge.