This session will feature a series of oral presentations highlighting current research, evaluation and quality improvement projects. Each speaker will have 15 minutes to share their work, followed by 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Join us to hear in-depth presentations, gain new insights, and engage directly with presenters during the Q&A.

PRESENTATIONS: 

• Title: Strengthening Partnerships and Enhancing Healthcare Delivery in Tsay Keh Dene and Kwadacha First Nations Communities through Implementing and Integrating Tele-Care Assistants (TCAs)
  • Speaker: Heather Gummow and Dr. Rae Marceau
  • Description: This presentation shares early findings from the implementation of the Telecare Assistant (TCA) role in Tsay Keh Dene, Kwadacha, and Masset. Designed to improve care coordination and provider efficiency, TCAs support scheduling, telehealth facilitation, chronic disease management, and patient follow-up while building trust with communities. Results show enhanced continuity of care, reduced provider workload, stronger partnerships, and improved provider satisfaction. Lessons learned highlight the value of TCAs in rural and Indigenous contexts and the model’s potential for scalability and long-term sustainability.
     
• Title: Implementation of the Northern Centre for Clinical Research strategic plan: Strengthening Equitable Clinical Research in Northern British Columbia
  • Speaker: Tatiana Barcelos Pontes
  • Description: Established in 2022, the Northern Centre for Clinical Research (NCCR) was created to address longstanding gaps in access to clinical research in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. Guided by its 2025–2028 strategic plan, the Centre is embedding research into healthcare systems, expanding local capacity, and supporting culturally safe, community-informed practices. This presentation will share the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from implementing the plan to date, including launching the region’s first Phase 3 clinical trial, building sustainable infrastructure, and advancing equitable research opportunities across Northern BC.
     
• Title: Living with fibromyalgia: The experience of rural and northern Canadians
  • Speaker: Catharine Schiller
  • Description: This study explores the voices of Canadians living with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in rural and northern settings, highlighting the daily challenges of financial strain, geographic barriers, emotional isolation, and limited access to specialized care. Findings from interviews with 21 participants reveal the urgent need for compassionate, holistic, and patient-centered approaches to support those managing this chronic condition in underserved regions.

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