Grant: Chair: GlaxoSmithKline Partnered

The basis for the proposed program of research is to significantly extend and enhance, both in terms of scope and methodology, the projects and initiatives in which the applicant has been involved in the recent years. This will be accomplished by conducting original research, building capacity, and translating evidence for uptake into practice and policy around optimal management of chronic disease in primary care settings. Over the next five years I plan on further advancing our knowledge around the optimal transition from clinical efficacy to community effectiveness by focusing on the development of innovative, primary healthcare and community-based strategies and models of chronic disease management that are easily implementable, scalable and cost-effective. These strategies will build on my previous research and work of my partners and collaborators and will include: a) pro-active, family practice/primary health care team based strategies of chronic disease management; b) deployment of volunteer peer health educators to support and enhance these activities; c) integration and enhancement of the role played in the management of chronic disease by community-based pharmacists; d) promotion and support of patient-led testing, monitoring, and management of chronic disease; e) incorporation of successful models, strategies and 'lessons learned' from different jurisdictions in Canada and internationally and, e) mobilization of local partners and organizations with complementary foci on community-based chronic disease management strategies. I propose to further enhance and foster new links with health-care providers, health-care managers, policy makers and industry partners to accelerate the effective application of research into policies, programs, and practices. I intend to augment mentoring and education opportunities to attract and prepare the next generation of primary care, health services and policy researchers focused on chronic disease management.