Grant: Knowledge Translation Supplement

Despite many calls to improve the care of dying Canadians, much remains to be done; efforts are hampered by inadequate measurement tools. In the context of our New Emerging Team (NET) CIHR grant (FRN#69818), we developed a novel satisfaction instrument that can be used to assess both patient and family satisfaction with end-of-life (EOL) care. Survey results to date have identified numerous quality issues for Canadians near or at the end of life. By understanding how satisfied patients and families are with key elements of EOL care, we are in a better position both to improve their individualized care and to implement systemic changes in health care delivery, through: 1) individual and public accountability (allowing patients, families, policymakers, and the public to hold individuals and organizations accountable for the quality of care they provide to dying patients); 2) internal quality improvement efforts by clinicians and others directly responsible for EOL care; and 3) the incorporation of satisfaction outcome measures to enhance research on the effects of various clinical, policy, organizational and financing options at the EOL. We need to promote the uptake of our findings across Canada to ensure that they are used to influence practice and policy, and are requesting supplemental funding beyond the term of the initial research phase from the PEOLC Initiative to facilitate their dissemination and implementation. We propose: 1) to collaborate with the CHPCA to hire a knowledge broker to work with our NET and other PEOLC NETS; and 2) to upgrade substantially and promote our own EOL website to make the CANHELP questionnaire available and useful to patients and families as well as providers and institutions, to assist in efforts to improve EOL in Canada. Our goal is to translate the knowledge we have gained through our research into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system.