Oct 3, 2024 | N2 News
We are delighted to share a new report on behalf of Canada’s Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (SPOR), summarizing key themes that will help to shape the future of SPOR.
As you know, between Fall 2023 and Winter 2024, SPOR partners including the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) engaged SPOR communities across the country in “SPOR Refresh” conversations to gather input on the strategy and how to improve it moving forward.
Thank you for your contributions to those conversations. We hope you see your input reflected in this report.
The goal for Canada’s SPOR is that it is jointly led by many partners across the country. To underscore this joint leadership, today the National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations (NAPHRO) is pleased to publish the engagement summary report on the data gathered from the SPOR community on each of seven engagement themes:
- Strengths and Challenges for the Program Overall;
- Important Trends and Emerging Needs of the Future;
- Delivering on Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and Accelerating First Nations, Métis and Inuit Self-Determination in Health Research through SPOR;
- Strengthening Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Accessibility in Patient Engagement and Patient-Oriented Research;
- Building Capacity for Excellence in Patient-Oriented Research;
- Strengthening Collaboration with Policymakers and Health Services to Increase Research Impact; and
- Strengthening Governance for Canada’s SPOR.
These data are nuanced and insightful, reflecting the diverse participation and perspectives involved in the engagement process, and can be something everyone can use and learn from. We hope this rich and valuable data will inspire more community conversations and help to advance patient-oriented research across the country. We would like to invite you to consult and share the reports with your respective communities.
This input from you and the community will be used by the SPOR Refresh Steering Committee to inform recommendations to CIHR and other SPOR partners on future directions for Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research. A set of recommendations for a refreshed SPOR will be shared back with the community late fall 2024 or early winter 2025.
If you have any questions about the engagement summary report, please contact SPOR-SRAP@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Oct 2, 2024 | Education, N2 News
This course is now part of the N2 base membership, which means all N2 members will receive it as part of their membership cost! Completing this course will provide the learner with 1.25 CE credits and take just over an hour.
This course is delivered in the Learning Management System Dual Code. Below are instructions on how to access the course in Dual Code.
Access Instructions
All N2 Education
Course Description
This course is designed to equip learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to engage effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, in the context of clinical research.
Focusing on developing cultural competencies, this course emphasizes the importance of approaching conversations with humility, curiosity, and respect. Through self-reflection and guided discussions, learners will leave the course with a deeper understanding of cultural competency and practical skills needed to navigate and enrich diverse research environments.
Some of the topics covered in the course are: unconscious bias, culturally inclusive communication and inclusive behaviours. The course is intended for anyone who is engaged in clinical research, in any capacity.
We recognize that diversity encompasses many dimensions, including gender, sexuality, and disabilities. However, the focus of this course is specifically on cultural diversity, aiming to equip clinical research professionals with practical skills for navigating and respecting cultural differences in their work.
We also acknowledge Canada’s ongoing colonial history and the impact it has on Indigenous peoples and communities. We honour their enduring presence and resilience, and we commit to fostering a more inclusive and culturally competent research environment.
On behalf of the N2 community, THANK YOU to the author of this important course, Munaza Jamil, at McMaster University and Co-Chair of N2’s Public Engagement Committee. Thanks too to Deborah Leal, N2 Education Specialist, for beautifully developing the content into this course. Finally, many thanks to the following people who generously shared their time and perspectives as reviewers of the course and provided invaluable input and improvements:
- Amy Bartholomew (McMaster University and N2 Education Committee Co-Chair)
- Nancy Butcher (IMPaCT; The Hospital for Sick Children; University of Toronto)
- Ronda Danchak (Covenant Health Research Centre)
- Lindsay Maharaj (Hamilton Health Sciences)
- Saad Malik (Research Partner)
- Delilah Ofosu-Barko (Trillium Health Partners)
- Alison Orth (Michael Smith Health Research BC, Clinical Trials BC)
- Sabrina Poirier (Research Partner and Advocate; Co-Founder of ICanCME Network)
- Dawn Richards (Clinical Trials Ontario)
Sep 30, 2024 | N2 News
Today we observe Truth and Reconciliation. At N2, we acknowledge the lasting effects of Canada’s colonial history on Indigenous people sand communities. We are dedicated to creating a more inclusive and culturally sensitive research environment. #NDTR
Sep 9, 2024 | Education, N2 News
We are thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of a new N2 Education course titled “Cultural Competency Skills in Clinical Research.” This course is specifically designed to offer in-depth training on understanding and effectively addressing cultural complexities within the realm of clinical research. We can’t wait to share more details about the official launch date very soon on the Cultural Competency Skills in Clinical Research!
We want to express our deep appreciation to all the volunteers who generously devoted their time and expertise to contribute to developing this vital course. Their input has been instrumental in creating a thorough and meaningful learning opportunity for all participants.
Explore a wide range of N2 Educational courses! These courses are available through membership or as an independent learners. Engage with the N2 community and join the N2 Community Hub on the Circle platform. On the N2 Community Hub you can participate in discussions about the latest N2 news and events in the Canadian clinical research landscape.
Sep 4, 2024 | N2 Committees, N2 News, SOPs
In 2008, N2 launched Version 1 of the Clinical Research Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Since then, the Clinical Research SOP Committee has thoroughly reviewed these SOPs every two years to ensure they align with the latest regulatory requirements and meet the evolving needs of N2 members. This work is crucial for the success of Canada’s clinical research enterprise and, thus, for expanding research opportunities for potential participants.
Sixteen years since Version 1 launched, our work on Version 11 is about to start! The Clinical Research SOP Committee Chair, Stephen Sundquist, invites expressions of interest from potential new Committee members. We are actively accepting applications from individuals willing to support the Committee in reviewing these SOPs. The selection process will consider current Committee membership and Terms of Reference requirements for diverse representation of clinical research expertise, geographic regions and other factors.
Joining the Clinical Research SOP Committee offers several benefits:
- Opportunity to step into an influential rolecontributing to advancing clinical research in Canada
- Boost your professional profile
- Forge new connections and network with colleagues at the forefront of clinical research
What is the time commitment?
- The Committee virtually meets approximately monthly during the SOP revision period between Septemberand March
- After the revised SOPs are released, the Committee meets on an ad hoc basis, typically twice a year, to review N2 member feedback and conduct additional business to fulfill its mandate
How do I apply to the N2 Clinical Research SOP Committee?
