Book of Abstracts - ryerson

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing

Research Day

Book of Abstracts

FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 2012

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 2

Contents

Programme ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Joy Johnson. Building strong programs of nursing research: How to make stone soup ............. 5

Annette Bailey. Surviving gun violence: Building evidence for policy and programming............. 6

Cristina Catallo. Evidence informed health policy: A program of research................................... 7

Faith Donald. Developing an SRC program in advanced practice nursing: Building the
foundation....................................................................................................................................... 8

Sherry Espin. Exploring implementation and uptake issues associated with the team
communication briefing (surgical checklist). .................................................................................. 9

Suzanne Fredericks. Developing a program of research. ........................................................... 10

Jennifer Lapum. An arts-informed program of SRC: Advancing capacity for humanistic
approaches to practice. ................................................................................................................ 11

Karen LeGrow. Now what? Building a program of research post-PhD! ..................................... 12

Elizabeth McCay. A program of research to strengthen resilience in at risk urban youth: The
role of pilot studies and collaborative partnerships. .................................................................... 13

Nancy Purdy. Integrating healthy work environments and educational programming: A focus
on outcomes.................................................................................................................................. 14

Daria Romaniuk. Family-centered care of hospitalized children: Developing a program of
research......................................................................................................................................... 15

Elaine Santa Mina. Self-harm and suicide: Assessments and intervention. ............................... 16

Lori Schindel Martin. Best practice interventions for supporting responsive behavior in older
adults with dementia: Where to next? ......................................................................................... 17

Souraya Sidani. Developing a program of research: An overview. ............................................. 18

Nancy Walton. The challenges of a mid-career service-focused research-challenged faculty
member. ........................................................................................................................................ 19

Josephine Pui-Hing Wong. Social justice and equity in health: The community and the
classroom as two contexts of the same social world.................................................................... 20

Margareth Zanchetta. Canadian studies on men’s preventive and self-management of mental
and physical chronic diseases- How might they inform nursing practice? ................................... 21

Presenters’ contact information................................................................................................... 23

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 3

0900-1000 Programme
1000-1015
1030-1050 Keynote address

1050-1105 Joy Johnson. Building strong programs of nursing research: How to make
1105-1125 stone soup.

1125-1140 Break

1. Nancy Walton. The challenges of a mid-career service-focused
research-challenged faculty member.

2. Karen LeGrow. Now what? Building a program of research post-
PhD!

3. Daria Romaniuk. Family-centered care of hospitalized children:
Developing a program of research.

Response and discussion

1. Sherry Espin. Exploring implementation and uptake issues
associated with the team communication briefing (surgical
checklist).

2. Lori Schindel Martin. Best practice interventions for supporting
responsive behavior in older adults with dementia: Where to next?

3. Faith Donald. Developing an SRC program in advanced practice
nursing: Building the foundation.

Response and discussion

1140-1200 1. Josephine Wong. Social justice and equity in health: The community
and the classroom as two contexts of the same social world.

2. Elaine Santa Mina. Self-harm and suicide: Assessments and
intervention.

3. Margareth Zanchetta. Canadian studies on men’s preventive and
self-management of mental and physical chronic diseases- How
might they inform nursing practice?

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 4

1140-1200 4. Beth McCay. A program of research to strengthen resilience in at
(cont’d) risk urban youth: The role of pilot studies and collaborative
1200-1215 partnerships.
1215-1300
1300-1320 Response and discussion

1320-1335 Lunch
1335-1355
1. Annette Bailey. Surviving gun violence: Building evidence for policy
1355-1410 and programming’.
1410-1425
1425-1525 2. Jennifer Lapum. An arts-informed program of SRC: Advancing
1525-1600 capacity for humanistic approaches to practice.

3. Suzanne Fredericks. Developing a program of research.

Response and discussion

1. Cristina Catallo. Evidence informed health policy: A program of
research.

2. Nancy Purdy. Integrating healthy work environments and
educational programming: A focus on outcomes.

3. Souraya Sidani. Developing a program of research: An overview.

Response and discussion

Break

Research cluster discussion

Closing address

Joy Johnson

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 5

Keynote Address:

Joy Johnson.
Building strong programs of nursing research:

How to make stone soup

Professor in the School of Nursing at the University of British Columbia
Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health

Abstract:

How can we facilitate success among nurses engaged in research? In this presentation I explore
some of the ingredients that are necessary for success. In particular, I consider what it means
to think programmatically, and focus on the need to scale up our science. The key ingredients
of innovation and relevance are underscored. Much like making stone soup, research is an
endeavour that relies on the contributions of many and I consider the development of team
science and the factors that foster successful research teams.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 6

Annette Bailey.
Surviving gun violence: Building evidence for policy and programming.

Objectives related to presentation:

To share program of research with Ryerson University colleagues in an effort to gain
ideas for expanding SRC activities

Abstract:

My program of research focuses on addressing healing and recovery of survivors of community
and interpersonal violence. Much of my attention is focused on adults and youth survivors of
gun violence to this point. They include those who lose loved ones to gun violence or victims
who are disabled as a result of gun violence.

My research seeks to:
Understand their grief and trauma process
Understand how to effectively address mental health concerns and provide supportive
coping resources
Develop evidence that will contribute to policy development and interventions

My presentation will focus on:
Type of research approach undertaken to date
Some key learning
Benefits of the research
Ideas for further expanding research capacity

Through this presentation I would like to:
Gain ideas for undertaking a process that informs policy and programming
Gain ideas for procuring funding
Increase opportunities for collaboration-locally and internationally

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 7

Cristina Catallo.
Evidence informed health policy: A program of research.

Objectives related to presentation:

To discuss a program of research related to health policy
To outline the role of knowledge translation and knowledge brokering within my
program of research

Abstract:

Overarching Theme of Program of Research
My developing program of research involves a series of studies that aim to build capacity
among policymakers for evidence informed health policy. Initially, the goal of this research
program is to examine the facilitators and barriers for evidence use among health policymakers,
but future work will identify and test interventions that best support policymakers to use
evidence as part of decision making. This research program involves knowledge translation as
many of the strategies that I examine involve dissemination, exchange and application of
evidence into policy practice.

Topics within program of research that will be pursued over the next 3, 5, and 10 years
There is a great deal of literature on the fact that health policymakers do not use research
evidence consistently for policy decisions. Over the next three years I will build on my current
research that examines the supports and barriers to health policymaker use of research
evidence. I will look at the differences between junior civil servants and senior managers
working in health and related ministries and identify potential interventions that suit these
groups at individual and organizational levels. In the next 5-10 years, I aim to test the effect of
developed knowledge translation interventions that can be used with health policymakers to
support research evidence use as part of their decision making processes. My focus is on
building individual skills among policymakers but also organizational capacity of government to
support a culture of evidence informed health policy.

Development of program of research
My program of research was inspired by my past work in a health ministry, where as a civil
servant, I observed the complex process of policy decision making. I pursued a post-doctoral
fellowship where I examined evidence use among European health policymakers with Dr. John
Lavis, Professor and Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Translation (McMaster). For this
fellowship, I was supported by the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and
the Program in Policy Decision-Making, Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics,
McMaster University. My work involves a unique and innovative contribution to this research
area in that I focus on individual and organizational capacity for evidence informed health
policy.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 8

Faith Donald.
Developing an SRC program in advanced practice nursing: Building the

foundation.

Discussion point(s):

To discuss components of Boyer’s Model of Scholarship as a conceptual framework to
guide a program of scholarship, research, and creativity

Abstract:

Boyer’s Model of Scholarship provides the conceptual framework to build my program of
scholarship, research, and creativity specific to advanced practice nursing in Canada. The
scholarship of discovery is implemented with original research and systematic reviews to
identify factors that influence the integration of nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse
specialists, with an emphasis on primary and long-term care. Findings have led to
implementation of recommendations to reduce barriers faced by nurses in these advanced
practice roles. The scholarship of integration is applied through the synthesis of information
within nursing and across professions. For instance, based on the literature, I created a
preliminary collaboration model specific to physicians and NPs in long-term care that guided a
study to better understand the collaborative relationship between physicians and NPs in
residential long-term care settings; the model was revised accordingly. The scholarship of
engagement has been applied through involvement in the Canadian Centre for Advanced
Practice Nursing Research and has guided my work as a nurse practitioner in the clinical setting,
applying the knowledge and skills I use on a daily basis in teaching and learning with NP
students and colleagues. The scholarship of teaching and learning is transparent and evaluated
within Ryerson, as well as through a nine-university consortium for NP education, and a
doctoral thesis committee comparing British Columbia and Ontario’s integration of NPs in
primary care. Application of Boyer’s model provides me with a useful foundation to continue to
build an integrated program of scholarship, research and creativity.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 9

Sherry Espin.
Exploring implementation and uptake issues associated with the team

communication briefing (surgical checklist).

Discussion point(s):

Funding sources/process
Role of KT in the funding plan

Abstract:

Patient safety is of increasing concern in healthcare delivery. Evidence suggests that incidents
happen at high rates and that ineffective team communication is often a contributing factor.
Prior research has shown that communication and the transfer of information among team
members may be inaccurate or too late thus leaving issues unresolved until they become
critical.

In response to this risk, there has been increasing international endorsement of briefing
strategies such as using the checklist in the Operating Room (OR). These briefings are intended
to establish a forum for open and interactive team communication. This Surgical Safety
Checklist (SSC) shows much promise in the use of checklists to improve outcomes of patients
receiving medical and surgical interventions. The Canadian Patient Safety Institute is leading the
national campaign with a goal that the checklist is used in all operating rooms in Canada, all of
the time, and for all patients. The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has endorsed
the use and reporting of the SSC as the 'gold standard' for Ontario hospitals to use in their OR’s.
In spite of the general agreement that ineffective communication impacts on patient safety
there is little evidence regarding the implementation and complicated uptake of team
communication intervention such as the SSC.

Given the increasing emergence of such initiatives, we require evidence of work that richly
describes effective implementation strategies and the relationship between new
communication routines and complex practice issues associated with the uptake in order to
support decisions regarding widespread implementation.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 10

Suzanne Fredericks.
Developing a program of research.

Objectives related to presentation:

To gain a better understanding of the strategies and techniques used to develop a
program of research

Abstract:

The theme of my program of research is examining the most effective way in which to support
patients following heart surgery in order to promote recovery. I have examined the
effectiveness of patient education interventions in enhancing post-operative self-care
behaviour performance, while decreasing the development of symptoms during the immediate
(first 3 weeks) home recovery period. As well, the specific characteristics of the educational
interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing patients’ post-operative
recovery experience have been elicited through the conduct of several non-experimental
studies. In particular, I have described the ideal mode, dose, timing, and medium that is needed
in order to produce optimal changes in patients’ self-care behaviour performance, while
decreasing onset of complications and number of hospital readmissions during the home
recovery period. In continuing to further examine the effectiveness of post-operative
cardiovascular patient education interventions, I have described the influence of patient’s
demographic characteristics (i.e. culture, age, sex, and level of education) on the outcomes
identified above. I have employed various methodologies that include descriptive, prospective,
systematic reviews, quasi-experimental, and a randomized controlled clinical trial. The quasi-
experimental and randomized controlled clinical trials have produced non-significant findings
which is consistent with evidence found in the literature that have examined the effectiveness
of patient education materials. A recent trend in the field of patient education is that of moving
away from patient education initiatives and towards self-management based interventions. I
am building on the findings from my earlier work and am in the process of designing and
evaluating a self-management based intervention delivered to individuals during their home
recovery following heart surgery. The ultimate goal of my program of research is to generate
knowledge through the conduct of research and improve nursing practice following heart
surgery. To this end, I have designed studies that have provided evidence needed for practice
change. My program of research consists of sequential studies, each building on and expanding
on the results of the previous work. This has generated a thorough understanding of how to
support patients during their recovery following heart surgery. The aim of this presentation will
be to discuss the various strategies that I have used in the design and revision of my program of
research.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 11

Jennifer Lapum.
An arts-informed program of SRC: Advancing capacity for humanistic

approaches to practice.

Discussion point(s):

In the context of arts-informed/narrative methodologies, how do I continue to position
my work as fundable by CIHR and other external granting bodies?

Abstract:

In this presentation, I will discuss aspects of my program of SRC. Herein is a brief summary.

Program of SRC Statement: My program of SRC is focused upon developing capacity and
expertise related to humanistic health care practices and policies in the context of health and
illness. Intimately embedded in my approach is the employment of arts-informed and narrative
methods to explore and carry out this work. I have interests in experimenting with the arts
(such as poetry, imagery, music, dance and narrative) as an epistemological stance, a method of
reflexivity, and an analytic and dissemination method.

Background: Drawing upon Rita Charon’s narrative work, humanistic practices involve an
understanding of what it means to be ill and to be human. Current evidence has elucidated the
significance of acknowledging and integrating patients’ unique attributes into care – these
include the emotional, psychosocial and physical experiences of health and illness. By drawing
on the work of Maxine Greene and Liora Bresler, tools such as imagination and aesthetic
knowing provide a theoretical foundation for my research and creative activity as well as a way
to perceive the world through another’s lens.

Selection of Projects: Two current projects include: (1) a narrative study about patients’ and
nurses’ experiences of the facilitators and barriers of discharge following open-heart surgery;
and (2) an arts-informed narrative study that led to the design and creation of an art
installation that represented patients’ stories of heart surgery and recovery through poetry and
imagery.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 12

Karen LeGrow.
Now what? Building a program of research post-PhD!

Discussion point(s):

How to move forward with my program of SRC

Abstract:

As a newly minted PhD who is at present pursuing an academic career, the need to develop a
program of research can be daunting. Questions such as: Where does one begin?, How do I
decide what will be the focus of my work?, Which relationships should I establish and nurture?,
and Where will I find the time?, are just a sampling of the many questions that keep jumping
into my thoughts. While I have preliminary ideas about some of these questions, the purpose of
my presentation is to seek your thoughts and experiential advice about how best to proceed.
This presentation will provide a very brief summary of my PhD research study which evaluated
a parent briefing intervention to improve parents’ satisfaction of decision making for
hospitalized children with complex care needs. The ideas and findings stemming from this work
will provide the basis from which I will begin. I will review the overarching theme I wish to
pursue and reveal my research plans for the next few years. I will discuss the development of a
stream of inquiry that examines two separate but related research interests while using two
different research methodologies. In addition, an innovative approach to research development
such as having parents as members of the research team will be explored.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 13

Elizabeth McCay.
A program of research to strengthen resilience in at risk urban youth: The role of

pilot studies and collaborative partnerships.

Objectives related to presentation:

To discuss the pivotal role of preliminary studies and strategic partnerships in advancing
programs of research
To identify strategies for developing strategic partnerships

Abstract:

Dr. Elizabeth McCay’s program of research focuses on strengthening resilience in at risk urban
youth. In particular, she has concentrated on the identification, implementation, and evaluation
of evidence-based interventions in vulnerable urban youth to mitigate risk and to support the
development of strengths and resilience. Results from a recently completed mixed methods
pilot study (funded by the Wellesley Institute) demonstrated that street-involved youth
experience resilience and self-esteem, even within the context of distressing emotions and
challenging life circumstances. In particular, relationships were identified as a key factor in
attaining resilience and mental health for these youth. These preliminary study findings led to a
pilot study that evaluated the impact of a relationship-based intervention for homeless youth
receiving services from agencies in downtown Toronto. The preliminary data from these pilot
studies have laid the foundation for two nationally funded studies directed toward addressing
challenges and maximizing strength in service provision for this young vulnerable population.

Currently, Dr McCay is Principal Investigator for two CIHR (Partnership for Health System
Improvement) grants to strengthen resilience in street involved youth, namely: 1) a study to
implement and evaluate Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) (an empirically supported
cognitive behavioural intervention) to reduce emotional distress and promote positive
relationships and overall functioning among street-involved youth participating in transitional
housing programs in two urban settings across Canada and 2) a study to implement and
evaluate an innovative multi-component resilience and motivational intervention to engage
youth who are at the beginning of their journey to end their homelessness in three urban
settings. Overall this program of research is predicated on collaborative partnerships across a
number of organizations at the local, provincial and national levels. This presentation will focus
on the role of pilot studies, as well as strategic collaborative partnerships in advancing
meaningful programs of research to foster change, as well as strategies that support the
formation of collaborative partnerships.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 14

Nancy Purdy.
Integrating healthy work environments and educational programming:

A focus on outcomes.

Objectives related to presentation:

To describe the progression of my program of research as an early career researcher
To discuss individual, organizational and system factors that have influenced both
successes and challenges experienced to date

Abstract:

The program of research spans two intersecting areas of interest including work environments
and educational outcomes of varying program delivery options for baccalaureate nursing
education. The work environment research is informed by doctoral studies and expertise in
organizational behaviour and human health resources. The interest in the evaluation of
educational programs arose from earlier consulting work as well as ongoing reflections as an
educator. The connecting theme is a focus on evaluation and outcomes. The evolution of this
program of research will be discussed from the perspective of an early career (second career)
researcher who engages primarily in quantitative survey-based methods. An illustration will be
used to depict the overall program of research.

The substantive part of the presentation will focus on the successes, challenges and missteps
experienced to date. The discussion will include the good, the bad and ugly factors faced by
researchers in the early phase of a research career. Factors occurring at the individual,
organizational and system level will be identified. System level factors will include data from an
environmental scan of nursing research in Ontario conducted during my role as Member-At-
Large Nursing Research for RNAO. The presentation will conclude with recommendations and
next steps to support the progression of these areas of research.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 15

Daria Romaniuk.
Family-centered care of hospitalized children: Developing a program of

research.

Objectives related to presentation:

To dialogue with colleagues to identify potential areas for collaboration
To broaden my “lens” as a researcher by learning from the experiences of others

Abstract:

My program of research stems from my interest in family-centred care of hospitalized children.
In particular, I am interested in how parents and nurses work together at the bedside. Most
recently, I have looked at comparing parents’ actual participation in care with their desired
participation in care. I am interested in learning more about parents’ experiences at their child’s
bedside, what influences those experiences and the effects of those experiences on the child,
the parents and the family as a whole. Understanding nurses’ perspectives of providing family-
centered care at the bedside would also be important.

Another area of interest is the experiences of certain groups of parents who have been under-
represented in family-centered care research to date. Participants in this research have most
often been mothers, and focused examination of fathers’ experiences is warranted. Other
groups who have received minimal attention in the literature include parents of adolescents,
parents of children with psychiatric disorders and parents who are physically disabled. A
particular challenge in the area of family-centered care research is to better understand the
experiences of families who are new to Canada, for whom language and cultural differences
add a unique layer of complexity to the difficulties inherent in caring for a hospitalized child.

My research interests in this area are broad. Narrowing down my research plans is an ongoing
process in which I must also consider challenges related to methodology and access to potential
study participants.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 16

Elaine Santa Mina.
Self-harm and suicide: Assessments and intervention.

Study co-authors: Dr Caroline O’Grady, CAMH, Dr Elizabeth McCay Ryerson University

Objectives related to presentation:

To identify strategies to pursue research funding opportunities for instrument
development
To develop collegial networks for mixed methods designs

Abstract:

Suicide remains a serious safety concern. Rates of suicidal behaviours persist at 15/100,000 in
Canada (http://www.ontario.cmha.ca/fact_sheets.asp?cID=3965 retrieved 29/01/2011).
Suicide is one of eight patient safety issues in mental health (Brickell, Nicholls, Procyshyn,
McLean, Dempster, Lavoie, et al, 2009, p. 8). Prevention of suicide and suicidal behaviours is
dependent upon thorough risk assessments, which is the focus of this internally funded
research program. Two studies are currently in progress. The first study, instrument revision of
a measure for intentions in self-harm/suicidal behavior, builds on my previous psychometric
testing of an instrument, the Self-Injury Questionnaire (SIQ) (Alexander, 1999) by conducting a
concept analysis across five existing instruments. This work supports the study of clinician and
client instrument evaluation. Concept item analysis will inform the revision of the SIQ, and
generate one instrument for consistent measurement across research studies and in clinical
practice. The second study, suicide risk assessment in nursing practice according to the RNAO
Best Practice Guidelines, investigates the congruence of suicide-risk assessment practices by
nurses according to the RNAO Best Practice Guidelines (BPG) for Assessment and Intervention
for Adults at Risk for Suicidal Behaviour (RNAO, 2007). This mixed methods design incorporates
the proxy measures of chart audits, nurses’ perspectives, and patients’ experiences. Based on
Nordstrom and Gardulf’s work (1996), we developed the instrument to measure congruence of
nursing documentation with the BPG recommendations. The objective of this study is to
develop interventions for nursing education of best practices in suicide risk assessment.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 17

Lori Schindel Martin.
Best practice interventions for supporting responsive behavior in older adults

with dementia: Where to next?

Objectives related to presentation:

To discuss additional educational applications of behavioral response strategies to be
presented
To identify potential funding sources for next phase research

Abstract:

Dr. Lori Schindel Martin is a mixed methods researcher, an educator and an advanced practice
nurse. Lori has extensive clinical background in the health care of older persons, in particular
older people and their families who are living with dementia. Lori’s program of research is
focused on the development of ethical, humanistic and relationship-centered best practices
aimed at helping point-of-care inter-professional teams across all health care sectors to support
older persons with dementia during episodes of responsive behavior. Lori’s intent is to engage
in the rigorous and scholarly development of creative and evidence-based interventions
contributing to a growing body of knowledge that will ultimately shift the culture of aged care,
both at the bedside and reflected in regulations and standards. Lori’s research includes
knowledge transfer activities to enhance best practices related to responsive behavior of a
physical nature such as fear of bathing and inapt sexual expression. The projects within Lori’s
program of research have been funded by the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton and Halton, the
Regional Geriatric Program (Central), and the Workplace Safety Insurance Board of Ontario. Lori
has also been involved as an academic research partner on several projects related to
responsive behaviour support with such organizations as Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation
and the Public Services Health and Safety Association of Ontario. This presentation will focus on
the development and evaluation of a specific educational intervention using activity-based
learning strategies designed to reinforce best practices for the care of older adults experiencing
dementia-related agitation.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 18

Souraya Sidani.
Developing a program of research: An overview.

Abstract:

A program of research consists of a set of interrelated studies that address a common area or
topic. The goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of a health problem, leading to the
generation of a theory that explains the problem and guides the design and evaluation of
interventions to manage the problem. A program of research is usually developed
systematically, in that studies build on each other to validate and/or expand knowledge in an
area. This presentation will describe the process of systematically building a program of
research and discuss the progression of studies aimed at generating and testing theories
(concept analysis; theory derivation, validation, and refinement), or designing and evaluating
interventions (theoretical foundation; pilot, efficacy, and effectiveness testing). Tips for
beginning a program of research (Whittemore, 2002) are suggested.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 19

Nancy Walton.
The challenges of a mid-career service-focused research-challenged faculty

member.

Objectives related to presentation:

To describe, briefly, my research interests and goals (described very briefly in the
abstract attached)
To articulate the challenges of maintaining “focus” and developing a program of
research for a mid career faculty member, with a strong service record and current
responsibilities

Abstract:

My evolving program of research stems out of a strong interest in priority setting and decision-
making in health care, from an ethical perspective. My expertise and experience is in qualitative
methods, specifically case studies and grounded theory. My doctoral work examined processes
of decision-making related to cardiac surgery through the analysis of interviews with key
informants, documents and observations. This work allowed me to become part of a research
team at ICES, who have now received 2 CIHR Team Grants to examine (a) revascularization
patterns and (b) decision-making regarding in chronic cardiac disease management (in
progress), all in Ontario. On both large mixed-methods projects, I have headed the qualitative
phase of the research.

I have also, independently, conducted a study on the role of the “parent-as-therapist” for
parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This work grew out of personal
experience as well as recognition that decision-making processes regarding the provision of
services for children and families with ASD was not grounded in the needs of those same
children and families.

The challenge I face in moving my evolving program of research forward, as a mid-career
faculty member, is twofold, both involving “focus”:

(1) Trying to manage competing demands of an extraordinary amount of service as REB
Chair and Vice Chair of Senate (in addition to other responsibilities), both of which
require intellectual focus and time.

(2) Trying to find a common theme upon which to build a program of research with
multiple, overlapping but quite diverse interests.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 20

Josephine Pui-Hing Wong.
Social justice and equity in health: The community and the classroom as two

contexts of the same social world.

Discussion point(s):

Power, politics and cultures – how to mediate between the “academia” and the
“community”

Abstract:

My research is located in the area of social inclusion and health equity. Underlying this
orientation is the view that the distribution of power and resources in society is closely linked
to and determines health. It is underpinned by critical social theories (e.g. post-structuralist,
critical race and critical feminist theories, structural-constructivist perspectives) and it
embraces emancipation as a commitment.

My research program focuses primarily on the mental health and sexual health of marginalized
and vulnerable populations, including racialized minority communities, sexual minority
communities, immigrants and refugees; and individual/families in disadvantaged
neighbourhoods. While I use a qualitative approach to explore the experiences and health
practices of marginalized populations, I work with interdisciplinary teams to conduct studies
that apply both quantitative and qualitative methods. My practice background in community
health and commitment towards promoting health equity influence me to specialize in
community-based action research, whereby I work closely with the affected communities to
develop community action projects that draw on the study results and existing knowledge.
My commitment towards community succession motivates me to interact with the classroom
and the community as one circular continuum of the social world. I achieve this through
bringing knowledge generated from my research program into the classroom, and by
establishing community-campus critical learning circles that bring nursing students and
community stakeholders together for critical dialogue and collaborative learning. Bridging the
socially constructed separate worlds contributes to collective empowerment and capacity
building, whereby nursing students have the opportunity to embody social justice principles
through cognitive, emotive and experiential learning, and community members gain access to
‘formal’ knowledge.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 21

Margareth Zanchetta.
Canadian studies on men’s preventive and self-management of mental and

physical chronic diseases- How might they inform nursing practice?

Study co-authors: Christine Maheu, PhD, RN (York University, Faculty of Health, School of
Nursing, Toronto, ON-Canada), Jalila Jbilou, PhD, MD (University of Moncton, Faculty of Arts
and Social Sciences, Department of Public Administration, Moncton, NB-Canada), Sepali
Guruge, PhD, RN (Ryerson University, Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School
of Nursing & Centre for Global Health and Health Equity, Toronto, ON-Canada), Olesya Kolisnyk,
MN, RN, (Centennial College & University Health Network- Toronto General Hospital, Toronto,
ON-Canada), Mohamed Mohamed, BSN, RN (Toronto Public Health, Toronto, ON-Canada),
Terry Sizto, BScN (Ryerson University, Faculty of Community Services, Daphne Cockwell School
of Nursing, Toronto, ON-Canada), Melissa Stevenson, BScN, RN (Anishnawbe Health Toronto,
Toronto, ON-Canada), Carole Lina SanJose, BScN, RN (Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto, ON-
Canada), Joneet Christopher, BScN student (Ryerson University, Faculty of Community Services,
Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto, ON-Canada), Diana Kinslikh, (MA, West Park
Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON-Canada), Roger Pilon, NP-PHC, MSc, PhD candidate (Laurentian
University, School of Nursing, Sudbury, ON-Canada)

Objectives related to presentation:

Acknowledge the need of a comprehensive evidence-based framework as essential to
inform future interventions, studies and men’s health policy
Review how professionals’ and policy makers’ sensitivity and respect to men’s needs
and concerns impact clients’ self-concept and sense of masculinity/gender

Abstract:

The purpose of this analysis is to contribute to the debate about gender and social
determinants of health revealing how barriers to men’s access healthcare to prevent / manage
their diseases dictate their quality of life within the social roles over lifespan.

Method: A systematic analysis of qualitative findings related to the most common men’s
mental and physical chronic diseases in Canada. Fifty-five refereed papers, as well as relevant
grey literature, written in English and French from 2005-2011 were analyzed using Bardin’s
method of thematic analysis to examine men’s accounts of disease prevention and self-
management. Boltanski’s theory of the social use of bodies framed the interpretation of the
results.

Findings: Men perceive the quality of their lives based on such factors as fulfillment of their role
within society, their families and social networks. Identified trends include:

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 22

Men have difficulty speaking about health concerns;
Common health issues build bonds and safe spaces for dialogue;
Social vulnerabilities and health inequities impose barriers to self-management;
Men express concerns that resources are not tailored to their needs and preferences;
Single parents face hardships related to their health status and the health care system;
No information about adaptation to diseases; limited attention to the differences within
religious, cohort, gender, or cultural groups;
Differences in self-management strategies among single and non-single men;
Social, resource, and economic factors associated with self-care

Conclusion: The internal diversity and complexity of how men live in and manage their social
and health conditions remain poorly studied. Men risk stigmatization with respect to issues of
gender equity in accessing health services. Models and frameworks to inform men’s health
policies must respect diversity among groups of men, complex social and economic inequities,
as well as cultural differences between immigrant populations and the host society.

Implications for nursing: Cultural gender biases related to masculinity and healthcare seeking
behaviour posit men as a vulnerable population. Men’s health promotion programs should go
beyond sexual and reproductive issues.

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 23

Name Presenters’ contact information
Email

Annette Bailey [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BScN, MSN, PhD

Cristina Catallo [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BScN, PhD

Faith Donald [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN(EC); Ph.D., NP-PHC

Sherry Espin [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BScN, MEd, PhD

Suzanne Fredericks [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, PhD
University Health Network; Peter Munk Cardiac Centre
– Scientific Associate
University Health Network; Division of Nursing –
Faculty Associate

Joy Johnson [email protected]
Professor, University of British Columbia
RN, PhD
Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Gender and Health

Jennifer Lapum [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BScN, MN, PhD

Karen LeGrow [email protected]
Assistant Professor, Ryerson University
RN, PhD

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 24

Name Email

Elizabeth (Beth) McCay [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, PhD
Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Chair in
Urban Health

Nancy Purdy [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, PhD

Daria Romaniuk [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BN, MN, PhD

Elaine Santa Mina [email protected]
Associate Professor, Associate Director Post-Diploma
Program
RN, BA, BAAN, MSc, PhD

Lori Schindel Martin [email protected]
Associate Professor, Associate Director SRC
RN, PhD

Souraya Sidani [email protected]
Professor, Ryerson University
PhD
Canada Research Chair in Design and Evaluation of
Health Interventions (Tier 1)

Nancy Walton [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, PhD

Josephine Pui-Hing Wong [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
RN, BA, BScN, MScN, PhD
Committee for Accessible AIDS Treatment
Toronto Chinese Health Education Committee
Hong Fook Mental Health Association
The Sex Information and Education Council of Canada

Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing Research Day Book of Abstracts 25

Name Email

Margareth Santos Zanchetta [email protected]
Associate Professor, Ryerson University
PhD, DN, MScN, BScN, RN
Centre for Global Health and Health Equity, Toronto,
ON-Canada