Our Implementation Science team works with providers, clinical teams, patient partners, and embedded scientists to support decision-making in the health system by leading rapid reviews, knowledge translation and evaluation activities. We inform the development of policies and practices based on published literature and local evidence; support the implementation of policies, recommendations, and standards in an evidence-informed and sustainable way; and conduct rapid cycle evaluation of implemented strategies and recommendations within the organization.
Rapid Reviews
What started as a tool to answer critical health system questions supporting the COVID-19 response soon became a pillar of evidence-informed decision making throughout Nova Scotia. Since 2021, over 300 rapid reviews have been completed by the Network of Scholars, and the scope of these reviews has vastly expanded to include a range of topics that is reflective of the complexity of the modern health system and its challenges, including health workforce supports and planning, quality and safety, and access and flow.
Many rapid reviews have provided important evidence supporting the design and adoption of transformational health system solutions and technologies in the province, including VirtualCareNS, YourHealthNS, Mobile Primary Care Clinics, and the integration of internationally educated healthcare professionals through the NICHE program. Rapid reviews continue to be a driving force of innovation in NSH, with increasing demand in 2024.
Rapid Review Process
Although situated within the Research, Innovation & Discovery portfolio, the Rapid Review service functions and provides support to leaders and program areas across Nova Scotia Health. Rapid reviews begin with a rigorous intake process to ensure each request aligns with organizational priorities. Health system leaders can request the completion of a rapid review or inquire about existing reviews by contacting the Implementation Science Team directly. Please complete the Rapid Review Intake Form to request a review, or email RapidReviews@nshealth.ca or MartaV.MacInnis@nshealth.ca.
Rapid Evaluation
The Implementation Science Team and The Network of Scholars (NoS) have provided evaluation support for over 100 priority health system initiatives since 2021, including the Care Coordination Centre (C3), VirtualCareNS (VCNS), Mobile Primary Care Clinics (MPCCs), and more. Over the last 12 months, demand for evaluation support across the organization has increased. Many of these evaluations have provided invaluable insights to health system leaders and have contributed to the success of the initiatives they evaluate.
Leveraging the skills of the NoS is a cost-effective and time-efficient way to conduct rapid-cycle evaluation in NSH compared to typical consultant fees for similar work. Through supporting evaluations, NoS members also develop critical skills that can enhance internal system capacity for research and quality improvement.
Evaluation Process
Leaders from across geographic and program areas in Nova Scotia Health can request the completion of a rapid-cycle evaluation at any time. Requests are prioritized based on their alignment with health system priorities and feasibility. To request an evaluation from the Implementation Science Team, please contact us directly at Evaluation@nshealth.ca.
Grant Support Offered by the Implementation Science Team
Over the last several years, the Implementation Science team has developed expertise in the area of grant support and development, successfully securing millions of dollars in research and implementation grants to support and strengthen Nova Scotia’s health system. This track record has bolstered the Implementation Science team’s reputation amongst both internal and external partners, who now actively seek out opportunities to partner with Nova Scotia Health when funding opportunities arise.
The team has helped secure research and federal grants for the province amounting to approximately 12 million dollars over the last two years.
