Mixed-methods studies: what, why & how
Dr. Lawrence Mbuagbaw, Associate Professor, Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact
Mixed method studies are increasingly being used in health research. They represent a third research paradigm in addition to qualitative and quantitative studies.
However, they are poorly understood and frequently misused and mislabelled. This talk will cover the theory and practice of mixed methods studies and their value in health research.
A pilot prospective safety trial of delivering anticoagulation therapy in children at risk of thrombocytopenia
Dr. Felipe Fajardo, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. Mihir Bhatt
There is a lack of evidence surrounding the delivery of anticoagulant therapy (ACT) in the context of concurrent thrombocytopenia. This study is a prospective pilot study that will investigate the safety of delivering anticoagulant therapy (ACT) according to our institutional protocol for patients with a thromboembolism who are at risk for thrombocytopenia. This will provide further evidence for the safety of this protocol in assessing any major or clinically relevant non-major bleeds.
Objectives:
Cyclescapes: Exploring the role of virtual reality cycling for health promotion
Dr. Joyce Obeid, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Virtual reality (VR) is a novel tool being used increasingly in clinical settings to engage patients in an immersive, digitally-generated environment. Combining VR and physical activity may allow children with frequent or prolonged hospital visits to maintain or improve their fitness and function, interact with peers, while also providing an escape from the real-world hospital environment. In this presentation, Dr. Obeid will share the on-going development of a VR-based cycling game and discuss the study’s next steps.
This project will be the focus of her upcoming Early Career Award application to the Hamilton Health Sciences. Feedback from attendees on the proposed methods, participant sample, and study outcomes will help to shape the final submission.
Objectives
Pediatric Celiac Symptom Index: Development of a patient-reported outcome measure for children with Celiac Disease using a mixed-methods approach
Lee Hill, Research Coordinator, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Pediatrics
PI: Dr. Jenna Dowhaniuk, Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Patient-reported outcome measures are instruments used to measure outcomes of healthcare using a patient-centred approach. The aim of our research is to develop a pediatric celiac symptom index using a mixed-methods approach. The methods include a scoping review of the literature, qualitative interviews with patients and their caregivers, cognitive interviews once a preliminary Index has been developed, and finally a quantitative analysis of the Index. The research is being conducted over two phases and is currently nearing the completion of the first phase.
Objectives:
1) Understanding the role of mixed methods and how it can be applied to research.
2) Understanding the development of a patient-reported outcome measure
3) Understanding the barriers and facilitators to conduct a mixed methods research study.
Success at CIHR: Reflections on the journey
Dr. Rahul Chanchlani, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics
Four new pediatric studies, led by teams in the Faculty of Health Sciences and from research centres across Canada, have cumulatively been awarded $5 million by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) over the next five years. As one of the successful principal investigators, Dr. Rahul Chanchlani will lead a team in developing new reference standards to assess high blood pressure in South Asian children. The study titled “Deriving 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring reference values for SouTh AsiaN Children (ABPM-STANCE),” will also consider the impact of lifestyle factors like physical activity and sleep on 24-hour blood pressure.
In this session, Dr. Chanchlani will share key learnings from the grant submission and review processes that have culminated in his success at CIHR and discuss the objectives, methods, and implementation of his study.
Canadian pediatric resident doctors’ understanding of climate change and its health effects
Dr. Candace Nayman, PGY2
Supervisors: Drs. Ania Van Meer & Anna Gunz
Climate change and extreme weather events have a profound impact on human health. Pediatricians and pediatric residents have a duty to ensure that their patients are aware of the effects of the environment on their health and must be equipped to help them make informed decisions. However, it is unclear what Canadian pediatric residents understand and know about climate change and its effects on pediatric health, as this has never been studied. We will be surveying Pediatric resident physicians on a national level to gain a further understanding of their awareness and perceptions, as well as gathering data such as where they grew up, where they are completing their training, etc, to try to identify any variables that may influence their beliefs.
Objectives:
Factors Associated with the Development of Dyslipidemia Among Pediatric Patients with Diabetes: A single-center based study
Dr. Fahd Alshammri, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. Katherine Morrison
This presentation will review dyslipidemia in pediatric patients with diabetes, what are known as risk factors and what are the complications. Will also present our ongoing research project that is evaluating dyslipidemia in patients following at McMaster Children’s Hospital diabetes clinics.
Objectives:
Barriers to providing optimal care to complex care patients in the Emergency Department
Dr. Sarah Altamimi, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. April Kam
This session will provide an overview of a qualitative study looking at barriers to providing optimal care to complex care patients in the Emergency Department setting by exploring four commons themes and questioning Emergency Department staff and fellows.
Objectives include:
Virtual clinic: A novel access to urgent care for children with medical complexity
Dr. Smita Roychoudhury, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. Audrey Lim
This presentation will discuss plans for a retrospective chart review comparing patient outcomes following face to face visits for urgent consultation compared to virtual visits. The research purpose is to see if virtual clinics are feasible as well. Virtual clinics, if found to be equivalent, may be a safer alternative that will not only prevent caregivers from missing work or spend time travelling but also may help them to be comfortable at home.
Project Objectives:
To determine, for urgent concerns of parents/caregivers
a. If a virtual clinic is feasible and comparable to face-to-face clinics with patient assessments and outcomes
b. If a virtual clinic will help with efficient healthcare resource allocation as well parent/patient’s resources while not adversely affecting patient outcomes
Quality is not an accident: Using quality improvement methods in your daily practice
Quality improvement in pediatric health care is essential to improving processes and enhancing patient safety. In this session, members of the Department of Pediatrics’ Innovations in Quality Improvement (iQI) Committee will lead attendees through a practical discussion of why quality improvement is important and how to apply QI methods in your daily practice using local project examples.
Objectives:
Dr. Lucy Giglia is an Associate Professor, Division of General Pediatrics
Dr. Michelle Batthish is an Associate Professor & Head of the Division of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology
Dr. Samara Chitayat is an Assistant Clinical Professor, Division of General Pediatrics
The intensity and distribution of esophageal eosinophilia in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and seasonal allergic rhinitis
Dr. Dalal Behbehani, PGY2
Supervisor: Dr. Mary Sherlock
This presentation will discuss a work in progress retrospective chart review project on the intensity and distribution of esophageal eosinophilia in children newly diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and a known history of seasonal allergic rhinitis.
Objectives:
macpedsrrt.ca 