Grant: SPOR Networks - Knowledge Mobilization and Implementation Science

Canada has the highest rates of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (consisting of ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease) in the world, affecting 0.5 million Canadians. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 2 million Canadians. The cause of IBD and IBS remain unknown and predominantly affect young adults. They are associated with higher rates of anxiety and depression compared to other chronic diseases, yet these are inadequately addressed by the health care system. IBD and IBS costs Canadians $17 billion/year. There is a critical gap in research on the cause of these diseases, but the likely cause of this is inflammation caused by diet and gut bacteria. Our IMAGINE-SPOR chronic disease network is addressing these issues. We have created opportunities for meaningful partnerships in patient-oriented research with our 21 Patient Research Partners who will be actively engaged all aspects of evidence implementation and knowledge mobilization. Our network has developed on-line resources to deliver cognitive behavioural therapy, yoga, breathwork, and meditation techniques. We will now develop mobile applications to support these tools and promote more active discussions between health care providers and patients on mental health. We have found that people taking high quantities of ultra-processed foods are more likely to develop IBD and people taking fewer legumes (e.g., beans and lentils) are more likely to develop IBS. We will develop educational resources for patients and engage with decision makers when the Canada Food Guide is updated. This dietary advice has the potential impact for 1 million fewer Canadians to suffer with IBS and IBD in the long term. We were the first in the world to show that fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) can induce remission in 25% of patients with UC. We will carry out a large national trial confirming FMT works and assess how FMT can be delivered on a national scale to reduce the $7.7 billion spent in Canada on IBD drugs.