Storyhouse Fall 2023 Finale
One night. One stage. Fifteen stories about research at Western University.
Join us for an evening unlike any other, as Western's Storyhouse presents live narrative performances that explore new research through storytelling
Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at 7PM in Conron Hall (UC 3110)
Register below to join us live and/or request access to post-event videos
This showcase of research from the Faculty of Health Sciences is presented by the Fall 2023 cohort of Western University's Storyhouse. The Storyhouse is a professional development opportunity for students and staff, as well as a faculty support for researchers, that integrates knowledge mobilization, science communication, narrative theory, and performance studies.
Our mission is to use creative storytelling to connect people with knowledge they can put into action.
Questions? Email story@uwo.ca
The Storyhouse is a pilot collaboration between Western Research and the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Status of Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Programs in Canada: Results From a Country-Wide Survey
This article provides an update on the state of early hearing detection and intervention programs in Canada. These programs are important for identifying hearing loss in infants and providing necessary services for their development. However, a survey conducted across all provinces and territories showed that these programs are not consistently available throughout the country. While some improvements have been made since a previous report in 2014, there are still areas where comprehensive services are lacking or not properly supported. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, accessible, and sustainable early hearing detection and intervention programs nationwide, and call for continued action from both provincial and territorial governments, as well as federal policy leadership, to achieve this goal.
Storyteller: Benjamin Chanda, Research Staff
Inspired by the research of Marlene Bagatto
Interdisciplinary Pedagogy through Problem-Based Learning: A Case Study in Global Health Education
This article discusses a case study that examined the use of an interdisciplinary teaching approach called Problem-Based Learning (PBL) in a global health education course. The researchers describe how they designed and implemented the course, and collected feedback from students through written questionnaires to understand their learning experiences. Based on the student feedback and instructor reflections, the researchers identified eight lessons that future instructors can use as a guide. These lessons include allowing time for in-class project work, using a modular approach to course design, presenting real-life problems, providing case studies, group students with diverse backgrounds, utilizing online and library resources, surveying students' comfort with self-directed learning, and incorporating self-reflection.
Storyteller: Aidan Freeman, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Obidi Ezezika
“Is There Anything Else You Would Like to Add?”: The Ethics of (Not) Addressing Research Participants' Top Concerns in Public Health Emergency Health Research
This article explores how researchers should respond when participants in a study bring up issues outside of the research objectives. The researchers conducted a study on West Africans' perceptions of Ebola research and asked participants if they had anything else to add at the end of the interviews. Some participants took the opportunity to discuss the suffering of Ebola survivors and criticize the abandonment by the government. This exceeded the original goals of the study. The article raises questions about how researchers should handle these situations and whether they should anticipate and address such requests. It also examines the ethical considerations involved in responding to participants' concerns and leveraging research power to support local priorities. The purpose of this paper is to encourage further discussion on these ethical issues in research.
Storyteller: Diane Mihaella Gorun, 3210F US-Canada Relations CEL student
Inspired by the research of Elysée Nouvet
Understanding the principle of consumer choice in delivering housing first
This article examines the concept of "consumer choice" in the context of a Housing First program. Housing First is a model designed to quickly end homelessness. Through interviews with program staff and recipients, the analysis revealed that providing consumer choice can be difficult in certain situations. Constraints on choice can arise when housing markets are limited or when recipients prefer congregate living over scattered-site housing. Additionally, challenges can arise if recipients request housing readiness before being re-housed. While the principle of choice has allowed services to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach, it is important to assess whether our current system truly supports individual needs and preferences. The article explores the challenges of implementing Housing First principles and how policy environments can either hinder or support consumer choice.
Storyteller: Georgia Van Louwe, HS4995A Practicum Placement student
Inspired by the research of Abram Oudshoorn, Jodi Hall, Cheryl Forchuk, Deanna Befus, Susana Cajax, Jean Pierre Ndayisenga, Colleen Parsons
‘Remember there is that thing called confidentiality’: experiences of institutional discrimination in the health system among adolescent boys and young men living with HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa
This article examines the experiences of adolescent boys and young men living with HIV in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, specifically focusing on institutional discrimination within the health system. The researchers conducted life history narratives and interviews with adolescent boys living with HIV, as well as interviews with healthcare practitioners and analysis of health facility files. The findings reveal that there is a mismatch between the needs of these individuals and their experiences within the healthcare system. Two main issues that deter the boys from remaining in care were identified: lack of confidentiality due to the visibility of HIV status within the facilities, and mistreatment in the form of shouting. This study sheds light on the underexplored experiences of young men in the HIV healthcare system, emphasizing the impact of stigma on their engagement with healthcare services.
Storyteller: Felix Gu, 4490X SASAH EL student
Inspired by the research of Lesley Gittings
Adherence to the World Health Organization’s physical activity recommendation in preschool-aged children
This study examined how well preschool-aged children follow the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendation for physical activity. The researchers reviewed 48 studies that measured physical activity levels of children between the ages of 3 and 5. They found that, using standard measurement methods, approximately 60% of preschool-aged children adhered to the overall recommendation, which includes a total of 180 minutes of physical activity per day. Additionally, about 78% of children met the target for overall physical activity, and 90% met the recommended level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. However, the researchers noted that there was variability in the estimates depending on how physical activity was measured. They also found that girls were less likely than boys to meet the recommendations. More research is needed to better understand the overall prevalence of physical activity in preschool-aged children across different regions.
Storyteller: Mackenzie Maryanne Kilmer, 4490X SASAH EL student
Inspired by the research of Trish Tucker
Research Coproduction in Healthcare
In the book "Research Coproduction in Healthcare," a team of experts in applied health research and decision-making provide a comprehensive guide to collaborative approaches for planning and conducting healthcare research. The book emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships and trust through effective communication and emotional intelligence. It also discusses the necessary structures and processes for working with various stakeholders. The authors highlight the transformative potential of research coproduction for improving health systems and outcomes. The book covers topics such as project planning, proposal writing, capacity-building, infrastructure requirements, power dynamics, and the fundamental principles of research coproduction. It is intended for researchers, knowledge users, funders, trainees, organizations, policymakers, clinicians, and health system managers, and provides valuable insights and resources for anyone involved in coproduction efforts in healthcare.
Storyteller: Lauren Enright, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Anita Kothari
Virtual interprofessional (VIP) education, a family medicine-occupational therapy-physiotherapy collaborative experience: the perspectives of patients, learners and providers on the opportunities and challenges
This article explores the experiences of patients, learners, and providers in implementing a Virtual Interprofessional (VIP) education initiative in Family Medicine (FM) clinics. The researchers interviewed patients and conducted focus groups with providers, preceptors, and learners in Occupational Therapy (OT), Physiotherapy (PT), and FM. They found four main categories of findings: challenges in implementing VIP care, operational challenges, facilitators of VIP care, and experiential learning outcomes and benefits of VIP care. The study revealed that this initiative improved interprofessional competencies, provided comprehensive access to care, and enhanced medical, OT, and PT education. The researchers suggest that a collaborative approach between different disciplines can support ongoing VIP care and facilitate interprofessional learning.
Storyteller: Nathan Wang, HS4995A Practicum Placement student
Inspired by the research of Lynn Shaw
“It can be very easy to feel uncomfortable”: Socio-spatial constructions of campus safety among university students and administrators
This article explores how university students and administrators perceive and experience campus safety. The researchers conducted interviews with undergraduate students and administrators at Western University to understand their perspectives. The study found that participants often felt "uncomfortable" when moving around the university campus, challenging the notion that it is a safe and privileged space for all. Participants described experiences of vulnerability that were influenced by systems of power and privilege, particularly related to race, gender, and institutional dynamics. This research provides insights into the emotional aspects of campus safety and highlights the need for feminist perspectives in understanding safety culture on campus.
Storyteller: Bairui NA Chen, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Treena Orchard
Factors impacting the access and use of formal health and social services by caregivers of stroke survivors: An interpretive description study
This article discusses the challenges faced by family and friend caregivers of stroke survivors when accessing formal health and social services. The researchers conducted interviews with caregivers and healthcare providers to gain insight into the factors that influence caregivers' access and use of these services. They found that financial constraints, transportation issues, and limited information about available services were major barriers for caregivers. Additionally, caregivers faced challenges in caring for their own health and relied on trust in both the healthcare providers and their own social networks. The study concludes that increasing the availability of subsidized community-based supports could help address these challenges and that the healthcare system should better incorporate and support caregivers throughout the stroke recovery process, especially in community settings.
Storyteller: Ethan Joseph Da Costa, 3210F US-Canada Relations CEL student
Inspired by the research of Anna Garnett
Protocol for the Provision of Amplification v2023.01
This article presents a protocol for the provision of amplification to infants and children in the Ontario Infant Hearing Program. Amplification refers to the process of prescribing hearing aids or other hearing assistance technologies based on assessment information, verifying performance targets, fitting the device, and evaluating its effectiveness in daily life. It is important to note that cochlear implants are not included in the scope of amplification within this program.
Storyteller: Christine Brown, Research Staff
Inspired by the research of Marlene Bagatto
“Negative Things That Kids Should Never Have to Hear”: Exploring Women’s Histories of Weight Stigma in Physical Activity
This article explores the impact of weight stigma on women's experiences with physical activity. The researchers interviewed 18 women who had negative experiences related to their body weight in physical activity settings. Through their analysis, they identified four themes: norms of body belonging, distancing from an active identity, being at war with their bodies, and acts of resistance. These findings highlight the long-term consequences of weight stigma on women's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to physical activity. The study suggests that to promote physical activity in an equitable way, it is crucial for movement spaces to address anti-fat stigma and adopt weight-inclusive principles.
Storyteller: Emma Louise Hoffman, 3210F US-Canada Relations CEL student
Inspired by the research of Eva Pila
What do Speech-Language Pathologists want to know when assessing early vocal development in children who are deaf/hard-of-hearing?
This article discusses the importance of monitoring early vocal development in children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The researchers surveyed speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to identify the specific clinical decisions they want to make when assessing vocal development and the barriers they face in doing so. The findings show that SLPs recognize the significance of assessing vocal development and believe they have the necessary skills and knowledge for it. However, they face obstacles in the form of limited availability of appropriate assessment tools. The SLPs rated all clinical decisions related to vocal development as important, including measuring change, making a differential diagnosis, and setting goals. The study suggests that developing tools that address these specific purposes will benefit SLPs in supporting children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing and their families.
Storyteller: Tyler Patrick Johnston, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Olivia Daub, Marlene Bagatto, Janis Cardy
A framework to support the progressive implementation of integrated team-based care for the management of COPD: a collective case study
This article discusses the implementation of a team-based care model for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary care settings. The researchers examined the factors that contribute to the successful implementation and scale-up of this model, using interviews, document analysis, living documents, and a focus group. They identified mechanisms that influenced the implementation and spread of the model, which were categorized as Foundational, Transformative, and Enabling Mechanisms. Based on their findings, the researchers developed a framework to guide the progressive implementation of team-based care for managing chronic diseases. Although the study focused on COPD, the framework can be applied to other chronic diseases as well.
Storyteller: Lucas Amaro Maulson De Sousa, 3210F US-Canada Relations CEL student
Inspired by the research of Shannon Sibbald
Step Number and Aerobic Minute Exercise Prescription and Progression in Stroke: A Roadmap
This article discusses the importance of exercise intensity in motor recovery after a stroke. The researchers conducted a study called the DOSE trial, where they found that higher exercise intensity led to better long-term walking outcomes. They used data from this trial to develop targets for prescribing and progressing exercise for people with different levels of walking impairment after a stroke. They analyzed data from 500 physical therapy sessions and found that the number of steps increased by 73 per session, and for every 0.1 m/s increase in baseline walking speed, there was a corresponding increase of 302 steps. They also found that aerobic activity increased by 0.56 minutes per session, but for every year increase in age, there was a decrease of 0.39 minutes. These findings can help future studies determine appropriate exercise targets for stroke patients based on their walking ability and age.
Storyteller: Sneha Sivaramakrishnan, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Sue Peters
Evaluating student engagement and experiential learning in global classrooms: A qualitative case study
This article discusses a study that evaluated the effectiveness of a global classroom, which is a teaching method that uses technology to connect students from different parts of the world. The researchers collected written reflections and conducted interviews with participants of the global classroom. They used two theoretical frameworks to analyze the data: engagement theory and experiential learning theory. The findings showed a complex relationship between student engagement and experiential learning. The researchers developed a framework that explains how engagement theory and experiential learning theory interact in the context of the global classroom and provides strategies to enhance student engagement.
Storyteller: Alec Michael Gelz, 3210F US-Canada Relations CEL student
Inspired by the research of Obidi Ezezika
Bridging ethics and epidemiology: Modelling ethical standards of health equity
This article examines the relationship between ethics and epidemiology in the context of health inequities. Health inequities are unfair differences in health status. The researchers focus on diabetes and explore how different ethical standards of health equity can influence population health outcomes. They conducted a study using a large dataset from Canada and simulated different weight-loss interventions based on different ethical standards. They calculated the impacts of these interventions on diabetes cases and educational inequities. The results showed that achieving health sufficiency, where all individuals are below a certain risk threshold for diabetes, was more feasible and required fewer interventions compared to achieving health equality, where diabetes risk is equalized for everyone. Targeting only educational inequalities in diabetes reduced the number of interventions needed but resulted in even fewer cases prevented. The study highlights the importance of explicitly incorporating ethical considerations to guide interventions aimed at reducing health inequities.
Storyteller: Giselle D'Anna, 4490X SASAH EL student
Inspired by the research of Maxwell Smith
Retrospective review of work transition narratives: Advancing occupational perspectives and strategies
This article discusses a retrospective review of narratives from individuals who have experienced disruptions or changes in their work. The researchers examined 14 published narratives to understand how people navigated challenges and made sense of their experiences during work transitions. They found that individuals used various mechanisms, such as drawing on support systems, identifying opportunities, and engaging in critical conversations and reflections, to move forward. These findings contribute to our understanding of how individuals address work challenges during transitions and may provide helpful strategies for others in similar situations. The results also have implications for future research and the development of approaches to support individuals through the process of work transitions.
Storyteller: Taryn Alexia Silvestre, 3002A Integrated Science CEL student
Inspired by the research of Lynn Shaw
Changes in cognition and brain function following 26 weeks of progressive resistance training in older adults at risk for diabetes: A pilot randomized controlled trial
In this study, researchers investigated whether resistance training could improve cognition and brain function in older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. The participants, who were between 60 and 80 years old and had prediabetes or were overweight or obese, were randomly assigned to either resistance training or a control group that did balance and stretching exercises. After six months, the researchers found that the resistance training group showed improvements in cognitive abilities such as task-switching, attention, and conflict resolution. They also observed changes in brain activation patterns that resembled those of healthy older adults. These findings suggest that resistance exercise could be a helpful strategy for improving brain health in older adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. However, further research is needed to confirm these results on a larger scale.
Storyteller: Vanesa Berati, HS4995A Practicum Placement student
Inspired by the research of Robert Petrella, Kevin Shoemaker and Lindsay Nagamatsu
