COVID-19 Knowledge Translation
The Knowledge Translation Program (KTP) works with researchers and knowledge users (including patients, the public, clinicians, managers, policy makers) to develop a strategy to use knowledge at both the clinical and policy levels. Our vision is to ensure high quality evidence reaches patients, health care providers and policy makers by using effective strategies to improve quality of care and strengthen the health system. By focusing on co-creation with knowledge users and the processes through which knowledge is effectively translated into changed decision-making, we aim to improve patient-relevant health outcomes.
This page showcases knowledge translation work conducted by the KT Program in response to COVID-19.
We will provide regular updates to this page.
Long-Term Care Homes: LTC – IPAC+In progress
Funded by: John and Myrna Daniels Foundation
Knowledge user: Long term care homes, Public Health Ontario
Led by: Drs. Sharon Straus, Sharmistha Mishra, Stef Baral and Tina Fahim, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto; Dr. Adrienne Chan, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto; Dr. Allison McGeer, Mt. Sinai Hospital, Toronto.
Description:
The COVID-19 pandemic has identified critical challenges with preventing and managing outbreaks in long-term care homes (LTCH whose frail and medically complex population is at highest risk of morbidity and mortality). Worldwide, Canada has one of the highest COVID-19 mortality rates for older adults living in LTCH facilities; more than 80% of COVID-19 related deaths are associated with LTCH homes. Guidance from the Ontario Ministry of Health (MOH) mandated that acute care hospitals must provide support to LTC and retirement homes to assist with outbreak preparation and management. The Solution: Our team recently completed a scoping review of infection prevention and control measures (IPAC) that informed the WHO’s guidance document for COVID-19. We have now used this evidence to co-create IPAC+. IPAC+ is a rapidly-scalable, checklist-based tool and implementation strategy to optimize IPAC measures in LTCH along with staff wellness and resilience. It was co-created with end users; specifically, barriers and facilitators to implementation of IPAC measures were identified and mapped to effective intervention strategies. Resources include those focused on optimizing physical and mental wellness for LTCH staff. Partners include the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement, Public Health Ontario, and the Regional Geriatric Program amongst many others.
Products/ results to date:
(1) the creation of a publicly available infection prevention and control tool repository (https://www.rgptoronto.ca/resources/ipac+/),
(2) the development of an interactive tool for LTC self-assessment of IPAC preparedness (https://ipac.knowledgetranslation.ca/)
Project partners
Comparing the accuracy of virtual and in-person comprehensive geriatric assessments and determining barriers and facilitators to the conduct of virtual assessments In progress
Funded by: Mary Trimmer Chair, University of Toronto
Knowledge user: Regional Geriatric Program
Led by: Dr. Jennifer Watt, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Description:
With the COVID pandemic, there was a shift from in-person to virtual ambulatory patientcare where possible. In-person assessments were prioritized for those individuals who needed to be seen urgently. This rapid shift to virtual care presented challenges and opportunities. Overnight, physicians focused on supporting patients via telephone/web-platforms. However, this shift also exposed challenges – what is the accuracy of the clinical assessment (such as cognitive testing) when done over the telephone versus in-person? How can patients be assessed as outpatients when they don’t have a computer or smartphone? Does virtual care lead to more health inequities? This project will advance our knowledge of how best to meet the needs of older adults requiring ambulatory care.
Products/ results to date:
In progress
Developing strategies and tools to combat misinformation, fear and stigma in the wake of COVID-19 In Progress
Funded by: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Led by: Drs. Tina Fahim, Sharon Straus, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto. In partnership with the University of Laval, University of Ottawa and the Singapore GERI Team
Description:
The primary goal of this study is to develop strategies and tools to combat misinformation as it relates to stigma and fear during an outbreak. To achieve this objective, we have partnered with the Chinese Canadian National Council for Social Justice (CCNC-SJ) and the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter (CCNCTO), which are advocacy organizations aiming to eliminate stigma and racism facing Chinese- and Asian-Canadians. Additionally, we have engaged the Yee Hong Center for Geriatric Care to ensure the perspectives of healthcare providers caring for a primarily Chinese-Canadian population are considered.
Products/ results to date:
In progress
Care provider models in long-term care: a scoping review In Progress
Funded by: SPOR Evidence Alliance
Knowledge user: Royal Society of Canada
Led by: Dr. Brian Hutton in partnership with Sharon Straus, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Description:
We are working on a rapid scoping review looking at effective models of provider care in long-term care facilities. This builds on the Restoring Trust document, which was published by the Royal Society of Canada.
Products/ results to date:
Publication in preparation
Preventing Respiratory Illness in Older Adults Aged 60 Years and Above Living in Long-Term Care: A Rapid Overview of Reviews In Progress
Funded by: World Health Organization
Knowledge user: Infection Prevention & Control, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization
Led by: Dr. Andrea Tricco, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Description:
This review provides an overview of the effectiveness of infection prevention and control measures that have been studied in systematic reviews.
Products/ results to date:
Journal Article
Guidelines for Preventing Respiratory Illness in Older Adults Aged 60 Years and Above Living in Long-Term Care: A Rapid Review of Clinical Practice Guidelines Completed
Funded by: World Health Organization
Knowledge user: Infection Prevention & Control, Health Emergencies Programme, World Health Organization
Led by: Dr. Andrea Tricco, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Description:
This review provides a comprehensive overview of existing CPGs for long-term care facilities published across the globe and summarizes their recommendations for infection prevention and management.
Products/ results to date:
Journal Article
Preventing the Transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Older Adults Aged 60 Years and Above Living in Long-Term Care: A Rapid Review Completed
Funded by: Canadian Frailty Network
Knowledge user: Canadian Frailty Network
Led by: Dr. Andrea Tricco, Knowledge Translation Program, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto
Description:
This review provides a comprehensive review of current evidence and guidelines for infection prevention and control measures specific to COVID-19 populations.
Products/ results to date:
Journal Article
Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and the Future of Long-Term Care
Dr. Sharon Straus, KT Program Director, is a co-lead on this report.
- Restoring Trust: COVID-19 and The Future of Long-Term Care - June 2020
- Resilient Research – August 17, 2020 - Royal Society
- What’s Missing from Discussions on Nursing Homes – May 21, 2020 – Royal Society
- Unintended Consequences – May 22, 2020 – Royal Society
- We Must Act Now to Prevent a Second Wave of Long-Term Care Deaths – June 10, 2020 – Royal Society
Additional Publications:
Find additional publications below:
- Effectiveness and safety of antiviral or antibody treatments for coronavirus: A rapid review
- Rapid review methods more challenging during COVID-19: Commentary with a focus on 8 knowledge synthesis steps
- Testing for Asymptomatic COVID-19: A rapid systematic review and jurisdictional/ healthcare organizational scan
- Authors: Ahmed M. Abou-Setta, George Okoli, Otto Lam, Viraj Kasireddy, Nicole Askin, Lauren MacKenzie, Sharon E. Straus, Andrea C. Tricco
- This was a report, submitted to the Ontario MOHLTC
- Intradermal versus Intramuscular Administration of Influenza Vaccination
- Safety and effectiveness of dose-sparing strategies for seasonal influenza vaccine: a rapid scoping review of fractional dosing of the intramuscular influenza vaccine (in progress)
- Preventing the transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) in older adults aged 60 years and above living in long-term care: a rapid review
- Effectiveness and safety of treatments for COVID-19 and other coronaviruses