Winter 2017 Community News
Amanda Garvie, a MSc Physiotherapy alumnus, is teaming up with Dr. Gail Dechman, Assistant Professor in the School of Physiotherapy, in an international research project. The study investigates the impact of balance training in pulmonary rehabilitation on fall reduction in people with COPD. Amanda has worked at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre since graduating in 2012 and played a key role in the ongoing development of the Centre’s pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Amanda has worked at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre since graduating in 2012 and played a key role in the ongoing development of the Centre’s pulmonary rehabilitation program. From the start, she believed that the program should be grounded in evidence-based assessment and intervention. Dr. Dechman was excited by her former student’s dedication to high standards of practice and quality improvement. As a result she suggested that Amanda join her as a collaborator in the study led by Dr. Dina Brooks at the University of Toronto. The project spans 10 sites across 4 countries and investigates the impact of balance training on fall reduction in COPD patients.
Amanda conducting balance training with COPD patients
"Being involved in research encourages us to think more critically about practice so it can play a key role in quality improvement. I believe that basing our study in a community center will be a good test of the true clinically feasibility of the balance training program.
I’m hopeful that this project will lead to more collaborations in the future."
-Dr. Gail Dechman, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie School of Physiotherapy
Q & A with Amanda
Why did you want to become involved in this research project?
Having never been involved in a research study, I felt it would be a great learning experience and provide further insight into clinical links that could be missing in our Pulmonary Rehab Programs. I will admit that the initial idea of being involved with research was scary but those fears quickly diminished with the support of Dr. Gail Dechman and fellow co-workers. In our profession research is fundamental in allowing us to provide the best care for our patients. For me to be able to be a part of a study which could further positively impact the lives of individuals living with COPD and what we can offer in our programs worldwide is quite a rewarding opportunity.
What excites you about being involved in research?
Research is fundamental in the physiotherapy profession to ensure that the best possible care is being provided for our patients with the best possible outcome. Because of research physiotherapy continues to evolve into a valued frontline health service. To be able to be involved in a study that is going to further strengthen our profession and the care we provide is definitely a highlight in my career to date.
Do you think that being involved in this project will affect clinical care in the pulmonary rehabilitation program at CEHHC?
Definitely. Being involved with this study is going to further contribute to my professional development in the pulmonary rehab field and the services that can be offered. I now have an increased awareness of the evidence supporting decreased balance in this population. Prior to Gail approaching me I had not made the connection between balance issues and COPD.
I feel this project will allow us to further expand our current program into a more well-rounded program. We are re-evaluating our programs content on a regular basis to ensure best practice and I feel having balance sessions is something that could be feasible to continue on with after the study is completed.
How has the Colchester East Hants Health Centre Supported this Initiative?
Raj Makkar, Program Manager, was very excited for the opportunity to participate in this research project and excited to see what comes out of the study and how it can further enhance the care we provide to our community. He has been very supportive in the decision to go ahead with our involvement and has continued to provide lots of support as the execution of the study nears. With a Respiratory Therapy background, Raj has been a great advocate and resource for the Pulmonary Rehab Program here at CEHHC.
Will being involved in the study change your workload or that of other program members? How will you manage that?
There will be a small increase in my workload secondary to adding in balance training sessions and some administrative work. To date this has been managed through communication with co-workers in order to adapt my schedule to accommodate the demands of the study. My co-workers understand the importance of being involved in this study and have been on board and accommodating since the beginning.
Is there anything else you’d like to say about being involved in research or this particular project?
Being able to collaborate with Dr. Gail Dechman, who is so passionate about research and with pulmonary rehab, is an exciting opportunity that sparks further interest in myself.
Her enthusiasm regarding this study is contagious and I can’t wait to see the outcome.
Where can I find more information?
Study Record Detail identifier NCT02995681 at www.ClincialTrial.gov