RCCbc Research

The RCCbc Research Team plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and collaboration in rural and remote healthcare settings. By serving as a hub for the exchange of new ideas, the team underscores the importance of relationships in all its endeavors. The unique challenges and opportunities of rural environments drive creative solutions, as traditional methods may not always be viable. The team provides a supportive space for brainstorming, offering a space to think through, refine and test innovative ideas. Even when these discussions don’t lead to immediate projects, they enhance relationships, inspire optimism, and pave the way for evidence-based actions. Through this collaborative approach, the RCCbc Research Team contributes to advancing healthcare delivery in rural and remote communities.

Pictured, L to R: Peter Hirschkorn, 2nd year medical student, FLEX Project; Nelly Oelke, and Eve Cleland, Nursing Student Research Assistant, now working in Golden, BC as a nurse. Taken during a visit to 100 Mile House.

Achievements

5th Annual BCRHRx

The fifth annual BC Rural Health Research Exchange (BCRHRx) was held in November 2024 and brought together 16 virtual presentations on rural research from across the province, with over 80 registered attendees.

This year’s keynote “Housing is healthcare: Equity in access for all residents” was presented by Dr. Jude Kornelsen and patient partner Christina Derkson-Unrau from the Centre for Rural Health Research at UBC.

Accessible platforms and opportunities for rural research knowledge translation are important to the spread of innovation and inclusion of rural and remote voices in BC. The evolution of the BCRHRx is informed by participant and presenter feedback, leading to better experiences and engagement.

RHC Research and Innovation Posters

RCCbc supported the sharing of 24 rural research and innovation posters at the May 2024 Rural Health Conference (RHC) in Whistler, BC.

With topics ranging from maternity to team-based care, cultural safety and more this showcasing of rural accomplishments and opportunities continues to grow and gain interest in rurally relevant conversations and beyond.

Internal Evaluation and Framework

To further strengthen project work at RCCbc, an internal evaluation working group and framework, the latter known as Principles, Processes, Objectives, and Outcomes (P2O2), has been established.

The group’s purpose is to offer project teams a practical framework for planning evaluations, providing guidance, and facilitating consultation. P2O2 serves as a foundational approach to evaluation.

New and Ongoing Funded Projects

The Rural Emergency Health Services Innovation Project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is completing their final case studies for each of the communities and the cross-case analysis. These will be available to be shared in the Spring of 2025.

The “Building capacity for a sustainable and equitable healthcare workforce in rural, remote and Indigenous communities by implementing innovative team-based hybrid care” led by Dr. Anurag Singh (NPI) and Kendall Ho, Nelly Oelke, and John Pawlovich and many other team members was funded by CIHR’s Strengthening the Health Workforce for System Transformation Team Grant for $745,056. Funding has also been received from Health Research BC for a Collaborating and Convening Grant. Engagement of the communities that will be involved over the next three years is underway.