Workshops | 2025 Research and Quality Conference

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Pre-Conference Workshops

2025 Research and Quality Conference 

Strengthening Health Through Collaboration and Partnerships in the North 

Date: October 22nd, 2025 

The Introduction to Quality Improvement

Facilitator: Jocelyn Raymond 
Location: Courtyard by Marriot (Room to be confirmed) 
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am 

Abstract: The Introduction to Quality Improvement Workshop covers the importance of Quality Improvement in healthcare; the important role of culture in quality improvement; the differences between quality assurance, research and quality improvement; the foundations of quality improvement, using the model for improvement; and leading quality improvement projects.

Sustaining Impact: A Fireside Chat on the Future of Patient-Oriented Research

Facilitators: Linda Li, Davina Banner-Lukaris, Sherri Mytopher
Location: Virtual
Time: 9:00am - 11:00am 

Abstract: In 2025, two patient partners shared a powerful reflection on their experiences with patient-oriented research within the BC SUPPORT Unit (1). Building on this, In our Fireside Chat this workshop brings together two people with lived experience and two academic researchers for an open and thoughtful discussion. Together they will explore the challenges, opportunities, and emerging strategies for advancing patient-oriented research and sustaining its impact across British Columbia. 

Learning Objectives: 

  • Identify opportunities and promising practices for fostering meaningful collaboration between people with lived experience and researchers
  • Reflect on Astrategies for sustaining the impact of patient engagement in research activities
  • Apply insights from shared experiences to enhance their own approaches to patient-oriented research 

UNBC Health Research Institute Poster Session Workshop: Enhancing Professional Training Opportunities for Health Research Students in Prince George

Facilitators: Jakob Ostberg, Nuziha Thasneem Shakkir, Jonathan Doyon
Location: UNBC Bentley Centre 
Time: 9:30am - 12pm 

Abstract: Developing skills in professional communication and networking is essential for early-career researchers to expand their professional networks and to gain feedback on their research design and outputs. However, professional training opportunities are limited in Northern and rural communities by geographical isolation from urban academic centers, decreased capacity and resources for training opportunities, and increased costs associated with travel to larger research centers. Therefore, providing opportunities for professional development in Northern communities such as Prince George is crucial in providing equitable education and workforce preparedness for students studying in these regions. 

As student representatives on the leadership council of the Health Research Institute (HRI) at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC), we are interested in improving training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate health research students at UNBC. The Northern BC Research and Quality Conference (RQC) provides an excellent, local platform to advance this initiative in a professional conference setting. Therefore, we propose a 1-hour concurrent session workshop at the RQC where 15-20 UNBC health research students will present research posters to a professional audience of RQC attendees. Students will deliver a 5-minute talk to guide viewers through their printed posters, followed by 2-3 minutes for questions. Each poster presentation will be judged by a panel of 2-3 RQC attendees (UNBC faculty members, Northern Health researchers) who will provide constructive feedback, in the form of oral or written communication to the presenter, to facilitate active learning and engagement. Logistics and organization of the session will be coordinated by HRI student representatives with support from the HRI Leadership Council. Overall, this training session sponsored by the HRI within the RQC will enhance professional communication skills and networking opportunities for UNBC health research students, while providing a research conference experience for trainees who may not have the opportunity to travel to urban centers.
 

It Takes a Village to Say Goodbye

Facilitator: Dr. Greg Andreas
Location: UNBC, Bentley Centre
Time: 1:30pm - 3:00pm 

Abstract: Our current practice focuses on pathology. To try and fix something... and yet we often can't. And patients don't want to engage in talking about death at the end of a sickness. Hence, our Provincial and National data shows over 60% of us are only going to be told we are soon to die when we are almost dead, and in acute care. This is wasteful of valuable time for someone living their last chapters of life, as well as caregivers, families and heavy on healthcare resources and our system. A sad situation for all. What changes when we walk beside the person living with increasing frailty of any cause? When we ask with humility, listen and learn. Learning from and with someone. About strengths, fears, and hopes. I will share and demonstrate how curiosity for What Matters To You (WMTY) can open up a very different dynamic that supports people caring for and about people. Each other. This is possible using elements of the Serious Illness Conversation Guide as well as the GROW model on a foundation of curiosity and listening skills.

Engaging Northern Community Members to Co-Design AI in Health: Introducing the Artificial Intelligence and Technology-Enhanced Care Collaboration Centre (AiTECCC)

Facilitator: Kendall Ho
Location: Courtyard by Marriot 
Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm (bring your own lunch) 

Abstract: Artificial intelligence (AI) can transform health care services, particularly in rural and remote regions in northern BC. AI could also introduce bias, perpetuate the digital divide, and compromise care. Engaging rural, remote and indigenous community members in co-designing and co-evaluating AI will help ensure rural and remote communities’ needs are prioritized. 

This workshop will introduce the Artificial Intelligence and Technology Enhanced Care Collaboration Centre (AiTECCC) for partnership building to better integrate AI into health care for improvement of care outcomes, people’s experiences, and health system sustainability. In breakout group, participants can share how they use AI in health management (patients) or in service delivery (health professionals or administrators), hopes and fears, and how to optimize partnership between the health system, health professionals, and patients for AI usage. This workshop will emphasize capturing of perspectives from rural, remote, and indigenous community members, health professionals and health system administrators.
 
Learning Objectives:
• Introduce AiTECCC and its findings on the current trends in AI use by the general public 
• Engage the audience to share their current use and issues with AI in health
• Identify how the health system can optimally partner with patients for AI use 
 

Empowering Change: Quality Improvement Tools & Data for Smarter Systems

Facilitator: Irindu Liyanage
Location: Courtyard by Marriot 
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm 

Abstract: The "Empowering Change: Quality Improvement Tools & Data for Smarter Systems" workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in applying key quality improvement methods in real-world settings. Designed for a broad audience, this full-day session introduced essential tools such as the 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts, run charts, histograms, and process mapping to support problem-solving and systems thinking.

Participants explored how to build effective data collection plans, visualize performance trends, and identify variation using structured approaches. The session emphasized embedding measurement into daily work routines and using data to drive meaningful, team-based improvement.
Through interactive activities, breakout discussions, and practical examples, participants gained confidence in applying QI tools and interpreting performance data across sectors. Feedback indicated that attendees left with a clearer understanding of how to engage others in improvement work and use data to inform change in their own environments.
 
Learning Objectives:
  • Apply common QI tools to real-world challenges
  • Build a simple data collection and measurement plan
  • Understand variation in performance data
  • Use visual methods to monitor and guide improvement
  • Engage others in data-informed decision-making
 

Providing Safe and Gender Affirming Health Care

Facilitators: Heather Paddison, Lyric Paddison
Location: To be confirmed 
Time: To be confirmed 

Abstract: In this 2-hour hands-on workshop, we will do some empathy building, story sharing, education, and provide safe space for frank question and answer exchange with our patient partner to improve understanding and empower participants to improve patient care in their work. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Better understand the trans patient experience and define trans specific needs. 
  • Understand queer specific terminology. 
  • Consider recommendations to improve trans patient care.
  • Apply this understanding to building alliances and improving safety and care in their day-to-day practice.