Congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Knowledge Translation Challenge Awards.
Knowledge translation is the art and science of moving evidence into health care policy and practice. Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (VCHRI) is proud to support health care professionals in effectively implementing evidence-based practice changes that improve patient care. The Knowledge Translation (KT) Challenge, delivered in collaboration with BC Cancer, Fraser Health, Northern Health and Providence Health Care, is grounded in capacity building and helps health care providers partner with experienced investigators to share knowledge and build connections.
The team leads of the 2026 KT Challenge projects are:
- Harleen Chohan, clinical pharmacy specialist, VGH Pharmacy Services
- Calvin Wong, physiotherapist, Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program; and Meghan Lui, sexual health nurse, Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program
- Winnie Wu, planetary health pharmacist, Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Pharmacy Services
Preventing hospital readmissions with early medication literacy screening
Project title: Early medication literacy screening to enhance patient safety at hospital discharge
Project team: Karen Dahri, Cesilia Nish, Trana Hussaini
Funded by: VCHRI
Medication mismanagement after hospital discharge is a major contributor to preventable hospital readmissions. Research shows that medication literacy screening, combined with targeted interventions, significantly improves patient understanding and reduces medication errors. However, high patient volumes at VGH make routine health literacy assessments challenging.
This project aims to improve patient safety after hospital discharge by introducing early medication literacy screening conducted by VGH pharmacists. A standardized questionnaire will evaluate patients' understanding of their medications, ability to manage them and confidence in navigating medication changes. Pharmacists will receive training to assess medication literacy, provide patient education and connect patients with community resources and educational materials.
“Early detection of literacy barriers enables pharmacists to deliver personalized support,” says Harleen. “This approach aligns with VCH priorities to reduce preventable hospital readmissions and supports safer care transitions through pharmacist training and patient-centered resources.”
Reducing urinary incontinence after prostate removal surgery
Project title: Initiation of a pre-prostatectomy pelvic floor muscle training program using ultrasound imaging as biofeedback
Project team: Ryan Flannigan
Funded by: VGH School of Nursing Alumnae Association
Urinary incontinence is common after prostate removal surgery, called prostatectomy. Research has shown that pre-prostatectomy pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) helps patients regain bladder control sooner after surgery, yet no formal program is currently offered in British Columbia.
The project team aims to address this gap by offering pre-prostatectomy PFMT through the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program. The structured program will include exercise handouts with accompanying instructional videos, pre-recorded education sessions and two in-person pre-prostatectomy PFMT sessions with a physiotherapist using real-time ultrasound biofeedback. Input from clinical experts and patient and family partners will help inform implementation of the program.
“Urinary incontinence affects up to 87 per cent of patients with prostate cancer, leading to decreased self-esteem and social contact,” says Calvin. “The aim of our program is to reduce the likelihood of urinary incontinence after prostatectomy and improve quality of life for survivors,” adds Meghan.
Optimizing inhaler selection for health and environmental outcomes
Project title: PHarmacist-led Inhaler Assessment for Sustainable Therapy (PHAST)
Project team: Harleen Chohan, Karen Dahri, Puneet Vashisht
Funded by: VCHRI
Patients with respiratory conditions depend on inhalers to manage their symptoms, but many are prescribed inhalers that they do not fully understand how to use. In addition, some commonly prescribed inhalers have a significant environmental impact, with carbon footprints equivalent to driving a car hundreds of kilometers.
To address these challenges, the project team plans to implement a pharmacist-led clinical decision support (CDS) tool at VGH to help optimize inhaler selection and education. The project will involve staff training on the CDS tool, patient and caregiver engagement through surveys, and a pilot of the tool across three hospital units.
“Inhaler selection has both health and environmental implications,” says Winnie. “Pharmacists are well positioned to identify opportunities for patients to switch to low-carbon alternatives, which may improve long-term health outcomes while reducing environmental impact.”
KT Challenge Awards are made possible with the generous support of the VGH School of Nursing Alumnae Association in partnership with VCHRI.
