Photo courtesy of www.prhc.on.ca
A new research partnership between Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) is looking at how data and technology could improve hospital care for older adults and reduce delays in their transition between health-care services.
The two institutions have announced the recipients of this year’s Natalie Beavis Collaborative Grant, supporting a project focused on understanding patient experiences, hospital flow and care planning for seniors.
The research, titled Data-Driven Patient Profiling to Understand ALC, Patient Flow, and Care Trajectories in Older Adults, will be led by Sarah Berges and Laura Driscoll from PRHC, alongside Dr. Quazi Abidur Rahman, a professor in Trent University’s Computer Sciences department.
The project will combine PRHC’s clinical and health-system expertise with Trent’s experience in data analytics to identify patterns in how older adults move through the health-care system.
Researchers hope to better understand the needs of different patient groups, allowing health-care providers to plan earlier and potentially reduce avoidable delays when patients transition between services.
The work will also examine alternate level of care (ALC) situations, which can occur when patients no longer require the level of care provided in their current hospital setting but remain there while waiting for more appropriate services.
Evan Lyons, PRHC’s Executive Vice-President of Digital Services and Transformation and Chief Information Officer, says the partnership demonstrates how technology can support better patient outcomes.
“The value of data and technology lies in how we use them to better understand and respond to patients’ needs,” said Lyons.
“By bringing together PRHC’s clinical expertise and Trent’s expertise in data analytics, this research will help us identify patterns in patient care journeys that can inform earlier planning and smoother transitions.”
Trent University Vice-President of Research and Innovation Dr. Tana Allen says the project highlights the importance of combining academic research with real-world clinical experience.
“This project will showcase how academic disciplines like computer science and data analytics are important to the delivery of effective and efficient care that supports individual and community well-being,” said Allen.
The research was selected by an evaluation committee made up of senior leaders from both organizations.
Officials say the project stood out for its collaborative approach, consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion, and potential to support additional research.
The Natalie Beavis Collaborative Grant is named in memory of a Trent University graduate and former PRHC director who was known for supporting research partnerships and innovation.
The program provides up to $21,525 in total funding, including $14,025 in cash support and between $5,000 and $7,500 in matching funding through Mitacs internship programs.
Research projects can run for up to 12 months, with student researchers participating in internships lasting four to six months.
Officials say the initiative will provide valuable hands-on experience for students while helping PRHC and Trent explore new ways to improve care for older adults in the Peterborough region.
