Rural Physician Research Grant Program (RPRGP)

The Rural Physician Research Grant Program empowers rural physician researchers—or new aspiring researchers—to pursue innovative rural research projects that advance rural health in British Columbia.

“The Rural Physician Research Grant has been instrumental in supporting my research work in the community setting. It has allowed me to further help my patients through knowledge creation and application. I also appreciate the tremendous support from our Research Associates.”

Dr. Henry Jiang, Campbell River

Achievements

Five research grants awarded

The Rural Physician Research Grant Program awarded five research grants in 22/23 to rural physicians. The research included an investigation of the experiences of Family Medicine residents during rural training, a retrospective chart audit of adherence to Canadian CT Head Rule at a rural BC hospital without local CT scanner, a study exploring prescription pattern changes of BC Family Physicians during COVID-19, a study to determine the burden of managing small bowel obstruction in the Campbell River Hospital, and research about the impact of the use of Point of Care Ultrasound in Nelson, BC.

Research in the spotlight

Two RPRGP studies were published in peer reviewed journals:

Dr. Adam Watchorn of Golden – Feasibility of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for rural and remote transfers – Published in Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine

Dr. Malgorzata Kaminska of Prince George – Utility of Hashing and Salting Algorithms in Quality Improvement Studies – Published in Canadian Family Physician

Additionally, numerous projects were accepted to present at the 2022 BC Rural Health Research Exchange (BCRHRx).

Provided research support

Research support has been provided to rural physicians conducting research projects and/or interested in applying for a research grant:

Research associates supported physicians in the development of successful grant proposals, provided research support and connected physicians with students interested in research.

The team developed a Frequently Asked Questions resource.