Clinical Research

Many researchers in the department have a clinical research focus. Clinical research in family medicine is typically focused on new treatment regimens, prevention techniques, or diagnosis of diseases. A few examples of clinical research being conducted in the department are:

Pragmatic Trials Collaborative

The Pragmatic Trials Collaborative is a western Canadian (British Columbia and Alberta) initiative that is comprised of practicing primary care providers (family physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and pharmacists) aimed at improving care in patients and answering pivotal healthcare questions. This is accomplished by conducting clinical trials to evaluate whether practice changes being introduced affect patient orientated outcomes

Dr. Scott Garrison is the Director of the Pragmatic Trials Collaborative and other researchers from the department comprise the core leadership of this initiative (Drs Mike Allan, Lee Green, Mike Kolber and Tina Korowynk). For more information, go to: www.PragmaticTrials.ca.

BETTER Program

The BETTER (Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening
in Primary Care) Program builds on the results from the BETTER program of research,
which has demonstrated that a tailored patient-level intervention improves uptake of cancer and chronic disease prevention and screening (CCDPS) in diverse primary care and public
health settings as compared to usual care. The BETTER Program engages patients to become
active participants in their health by integrating evidence-based guidelines and resources into an actionable, comprehensive approach that proactively addresses CCDPS, including behavioural lifestyle risk factors. The overarching aims of the BETTER program are to improve clinical outcomes, reduce the burden of chronic disease and improve the sustainability of the healthcare system through improved CCDPS in primary care.

More information about the BETTER program of research is available here. 

EnACt

In addition to Translational Health Research, EnACt is involved in clinical research. To find out more abut the work of EnACt, visit www.primarycareresearch.ca