Kathy Spurr

Adjunct

kathy-spurr

Education

  • BSc, Dalhousie University
  • Certificate in Public Administration, Dalhousie University
  • Respiratory Therapy Diploma, Victoria General Hospital School of Allied Health
  • MHI, Dalhousie University

Selected Publications

  • Stevens D., Title M., Spurr K., Morrison D. (2024). Positive airway pressure therapy adherence and outcomes in obstructive sleep apnea: an exploratory longitudinal retrospective randomized chart review. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy (in progress).
  • Ayas N.T., Fraser K.L., Giannouli E., Hanly P.J., Kendzerska T., Katz S.L., Lachmann B.N., Lajoie A., Mineville C., Morrison D., Narang I., Povitz M., Skomro R., Spurr KF. (2020) Helping Canadian Health Care Providers to Optimize Sleep Disordered Breathing Management for Their Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Canadian Journal of Respiratory, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine 4(2):81-82.
  • Spurr K, Lackie K., Gilbert R. (2016) We’re Not Making Evidence-based Decisions: Introducing a Tool to Assess Strengths and Weaknesses In Healthcare Providers. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy 52(4):104.
  • Spurr K., Dechman G., Lackie K., Gilbert R. (2016) Creation of a Tool for Assessing Competency in Evidence Based Decision-Making in Practicing Healthcare Providers. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions 36(3):164-70.
  • Spurr, K.F., Morrison, D.L., Graven, M.A., Webber, A., Gilbert, R.W. (2011) Analysis of Hospital Discharge Data to Characterize Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its Management in Paediatric and Adolescent Patients Hospitalized in Canada: 2006 to 2007. Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy 47: 23-28.

Biography

Kathy Spurr is a Senior Strategist, Quality and Patient Safety with the NS Department of Health and Wellness. She was a full-time respiratory therapy faculty member from 2005 until 2020 with the School.  She has 15 years of clinical and research experience at the Asthma & Respiratory Centre in Hamilton, ON and at the QE II Health Sciences Centre’s Sleep Disorders Program in Halifax.  

Selected Awards and Honours

  • Best Poster Award, Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists Conference, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 2023
  • Faculty of Health Academic Innovation Award, Dalhousie University, 2019
  • Distinction Award for Significant Contribution to Respiratory Care, Canadian Thoracic Society/Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals, 2018
  • Fellow of the Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists (FCSRT) - Distinction, Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists, 2010

Memberships

  • Canadian Society of Respiratory Therapists
  • Nova Scotia College of Respiratory Therapists
  • Canadian Respiratory Health Professionals
  • Institute of Public Administration of Canada

Research interests

Research interests include evidence based decision-making, the use of technology in health care, data analytics, chronic disease management, quality and patient safety and health policy.

Service & Activity

Associate Editor, Canadian Journal of Respiratory Therapy