Saskatchewan Health

About: Saskatchewan Health is a government organization based out in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Health care. The organization has 442 authors who have published 489 publications receiving 7728 citations.

Rediscovering empowerment with breastfeeding in an urban First Nation's population.

Abstract: An inner-city neighbourhood of Regina, Saskatchewan continues to have recurring issues of drug and alcohol use affecting parents’ caregiving opportunity. In relation to this, many children, mostly of First Nations descent, are raised in out-of-home care away from their families. With the promotion of breastfeeding, in a neighbourhood prenatal/postnatal support program, breastfeeding rates have doubled and mothers’ participation in their children’s care has increased. Recognition and promotion of cultural beliefs about breastfeeding is integral to raise community awareness of the practice. To bring additional support for breastfeeding, the empowerment effects observed were measured. Using a longitudinal study design, indicators of empowerment were assessed prenatally and again at two months postpartum. Indicators included self-esteem, caregiving activities, and drug and alcohol use. Outcomes of assessments were correlated to infant feeding practices and findings compared. Findings supported a statistically significant improvement for empowerment scores when mothers breastfed. Mean scores for self-esteem increased from 2.87 to 3.57 (r = .90, p = <.001); for caregiving, scores increased from 2.60 to 3.16 (r = .91, p = <.001); and for drug and alcohol use, scores decreased from 59 to 9% (p = <.001). The study brings attention to the value of breastfeeding for caregiving in situations of addiction and limited resources. Practitioner reflexivity in regards to their support for breastfeeding is critical and includes openness to alternate breastfeeding situations and beliefs. The study found that a positive outlook on breastfeeding is the first step for a practitioner-client relationship that fosters confidence for marginalized populations. According to research, less breastfeeding occurs when mothers are marginalized. In turn, as marginalization increases, a mother’s self-esteem regarding her ability to adequately care for her child decreases. Healthcare professionals tend to be less likely to support a decision to breastfeed if there is concern about the mother’s resources and lifestyles. This research brings new attention to the importance of breastfeeding in disadvantaged situations related to an empowerment effect of breastfeeding for caregiving which includes cessation of drug and alcohol use. This effect has not previously been measured.

Impact of Facilitated Behavior Change Strategies on Food Intake Monitoring and Body Weight Measurements in Acute Care: Case Examples From the More-2-Eat Study

Abstract: Background: Assessing and monitoring food intake and body weight of all hospital patients is considered part of “best practice” nutrition care. This study presents case examples describing the impact of behavior change strategies on embedding these 2 monitoring processes in hospitals. Methods: Four hospital medical units that participated in the More-2-Eat implementation study to improve nutrition care focused on improving food intake and/or weight monitoring practices. The percentage of admitted patients who received these care practices were tracked through chart audits over 18 months. Implementation progress and behavior change strategies were documented through interviews, focus groups, scorecards, and monthly telephone calls. Case examples are explored using mixed methods. Results: Of the 4 units, 3 implemented food intake monitoring. One provided food service workers the opportunity to record food intake, with low intake discussed by an interdisciplinary team during bedside rounds (increased from 0% to 97%). Another went from 0% to 61% of patients monitored by introducing a new form (“environmental restructuring”) reminding staff to ask patients about low intake. A third unit increased motivation to improve documentation of low intake and improved from 3% to 95%. Two units focused on regularity of body weight measurement. One unit encouraged a team approach and introduced 2 weigh days/week (improved from 14% to 63%), while another increased opportunity by having all patients weighed on Saturdays (improved from 11% to 49%). Conclusion: Difficult-to-change nutrition care practices can be implemented using diverse and ongoing behavior change strategies, staff input, a champion, and an interdisciplinary team.

Patient-centred and family-centred care of critically ill patients who are potential organ donors: a qualitative study protocol of family member perspectives

Abstract: Introduction In a patient-centred and family-centred approach to organ donation, compassion is paramount. Recent guidelines have called for more research, interventions and approaches aimed at improving and supporting the families of critically ill patients. The objective of this study is to help translate patient-centred and family-centred care into practice in deceased organ donation. Methods and analysis This will be a national, qualitative study of family members of deceased organ donors in Canada. We will include family members who had been approached regarding an organ donation decision, including those who agreed and declined, at least 2 months and no later than 3 years after the patients’ death. Data collection and analysis is ongoing and will continue until September 2020 to include approximately 250 participants. Family members will be identified and recruited from provincial organ donation organisation databases. Four experienced qualitative researchers will conduct telephone interviews in English or French with audio-recording for subsequent transcription. The research team will develop a codebook iteratively through this process using inductive methods, thus generating themes directly from the dataset. Ethics and dissemination Local research ethics boards (REB) at all participating sites across Canada have approved this protocol. The main REB involved is the Ottawa Health Science Network REB. Data collection began in August 2018. Publication of results is anticipated in 2021. Study findings will help improve healthcare provider competency in caring for potential organ donors and their families and improve organ donation consent rates. Findings will also help with the development of educational materials for a competency-based curriculum for critical care residents.