Healthcare Research
Improving health, independence, and recovery for older adults in rural Nova Scotia.
Our Healthcare Pillar explores ways to help older adults stay healthier, prepare for surgery, recover more successfully, and remain independent at home. Through community-based research, we work alongside older adults, healthcare providers, and rural communities to create practical solutions that improve care where people live.
Why This Research Matters
Surgery and recovery can be challenging, especially when you live far from services or supports.
By focusing on preparation, prevention and recovery, we aim to improve health outcomes and help older adults age comfortably in the right place.
What We're Working Toward
Improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications
Many older adults experience challenges before and after surgery that can affect their recovery. Our research explores ways to help people prepare physically, nutritionally, and emotionally before surgery, while improving the care and supports they receive afterward.
By identifying practical, evidence-informed approaches that work in rural communities, we aim to reduce complications, improve surgical outcomes, and support safer recoveries.
Examples of what we measure:
Rates of successful surgeries
Postsurgical complications
Emergency department visits
Hospital admissions related to recovery
Support strength, mobility and overall well-being
Maintaining strength, mobility, and overall health is essential for aging well and recovering from illness or surgery. This pillar investigates how physical activity, nutrition, and community-based supports can help older adults remain active, independent, and engaged.
Our research also recognizes that well-being extends beyond physical health. We consider participants’ experiences, mental well-being, and quality of life to better understand what contributes to healthy aging in rural communities.
Examples of what we measure:
- Participation in physical activity programs
- Mobility and functional health
- Mental health and well-being
- Participant experiences and feedback
Enhance recovery and independence after surgery
Recovery doesn’t end when someone leaves the hospital. We study ways to support older adults as they recover safely at home, helping them regain confidence, maintain independence, and continue participating in their communities.
Through research on postoperative care, rehabilitation, nutrition, and community supports, we aim to improve recovery experiences while reducing avoidable hospital visits and supporting aging in the right place.
Examples of what we measure:
- Recovery outcomes after surgery
- Readmissions and emergency care
- Independence and quality of life
- Access to community-based supports
Healthcare Research Streams
Each stream focuses on a key part of the surgical journey. Together, they work towards better health and stronger communities.
- Prehabilitation
Helping older adults prepare physically, nutritionally and mentally for surgery to improve readiness and recovery.
Prehabilitation Research →
- Nutrition
Supporting healthy eating habits and nutrition to strengthen the body and support healing and well-being.
Nutrition Research →
- Post-Surgical Care
Improving recovery after surgery with monitoring, support, and resources that help people age safely at home.
Post-Surgical Research →
Infrastructure
- PROTECT Lab
virtual care using remote automated monitoring (VC-RAM) to help patients recover at home after leaving the hospital.
PROTECT Lab Research →
What We Measure
We use a combination of data, lived experience and community feedback to understand the impact of our healthcare research and guide better supports for aging rural Nova Scotians.
These metrics help us track progress, identify gaps and create solutions that improve health and independence.
| FOCUS AREA | WHAT WE MEASURE | WHY IT MATTERS |
|---|---|---|
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Emergency & Acute Care Reducing preventable hospital visits and improving access to the right care at the right time |
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Fewer emergency visits and hospital stays means better outcomes, lower cost and less disruption for older adults and their families |
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Surgical Outcomes Improving the safety and success of surgeries and reducing complications afterwards |
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Better surgical outcomes lead to safer recoveries, fewer complications and greater confidence in care |
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Physical Activity Supporting strength, mobility and active lifestyles that contribute to better health |
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Staying active helps older adults maintain independence, improve recovery and reduce the risk of future health issues |
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Research Participation Engaging rural community members in research that reflects their needs |
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Community participation ensures our research is relevant, inclusive and responsive to local priorities |
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Participant Well-being Understanding the impact on mental health, well-being and overall quality of life |
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Measuring well-being helps us create supports that improve not only physical health, but quality of life |
How this research creates impact
Our healthcare research is designed to create meaningful change for communities across rural Nova Scotia.
Stronger before surgery
Safer surgery and recovery
Better health outcomes
Greater Independence at Home
Explore Other Research Pillars
Social Pillar
Strengthening social connections and community supports that reduce isolation and enhance well-being.
Housing Pillar
Improving accessibility and acknowledging the impact of housing modifications in aging in the right place.