Research

Established in 1949, the Dalhousie School of Nursing has a long and proud history of research. Through research, our graduate students and faculty have made valuable contributions to the nursing profession, the health system and the individuals and communities we serve.

Our nurse scientists engage in multidisciplinary research partnerships to investigate issues related to the health needs of people and the various factors that influence health. Graduate students are an integral part of research projects that create strategies for improving patient care, the health system and nursing practice.

Dalhousie's nursing researchers have earned national and international acclaim, particularly in the following four research areas:

  • Health needs of people: Research into the factors that shape people's health needs, including social, political, cultural, economic, geographical and technological factors. The goal of this research is to make the health system more responsive to patient needs.
  • Marginalized populations and health equity: Research into the determinants of health affecting less advantaged groups, and the access and experiences of these groups in the health system. Research is currently focused on addressing high-priority initiatives affecting marginalized communities such as Inuit, queer, African Nova Scotian and First Nations communities. Our goal is to make the health system more equitable for all Canadians.
  • Health systems and health workforce planning and impact: Research that aims to develop and apply sustainable, evidence-informed processes to improve health systems, including workforce planning. We evaluate the impact of research and processes on patients, health care providers and health systems.
  • Knowledge translation research: This research involves the systematic study of the synthesis, exchange, dissemination, evaluation and application of knowledge in decision-making with the health system. Our goal is to bring the best evidence to health care providers and clients, which will lead to improved health outcomes.
  • JBI Affiliated Group: The Aligning Health Needs and Evidence for Transformative Change: A Joanna Briggs Institute Affiliate Group was approved in 2016 and based in the Dalhousie University School of Nursing. The Affiliate Group is a member of the International Joanna Briggs Collaboration, based at the University of Adelaide (Australia).  Using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodologies and methods, Dalhousie University faculty, students, and stakeholders will contribute to the transformation of healthcare in Atlantic Canada. Transformation means different models for thinking, planning, acting, and evaluating, based on the best possible available evidence. We are conducting systematic review research to look at health and wellness through a different, collaborative lens and exploring different models for service delivery based on a combination of what people need and on synthesis of the evidence. for more information about the collaboration...

Learn more about the Dalhousie faculty members who drive nursing research.