The CanSPARK LTC Research Network is a key pillar of the larger consortium of enthusiastic partners, Canada Supporting Partnerships to Advance caRe and Knowledge in Long-Term Care. Together we aim to create a transformative learning health and social support system for long-term care (LTC) in Canada. By fostering collaboration and engagement across disciplines and jurisdictions, CanSPARK LTC focuses on continuous learning for evidence-informed and person-centered decision making and care. The goals of the CanSPARK LTC Research Network include conducting rigorous research to improve resident and provider experiences, developing a national data strategy, building the capacity of researchers, and empowering LTC homes, residents, caregivers, and staff to set research priorities and participate in the research process.
CanSPARK LTC has identified five research and learning themes: LTC Workforce, Quality of Life and Person-Centered Care, Advance Care Planning and Palliative Care, Quality of Everyday Care, and Infection Prevention, Vaccination & Surveillance. Through broad partner and stakeholder engagement, the Network creates opportunities for large-scale, efficient projects with access to quality data and enhanced collaboration. The pan-Canadian integrated model fosters meaningful collaboration between LTC, researchers, innovators, and policy makers, ensuring better identification of priorities, efficient allocation of resources, and maximized impact for all those living and working in LTC across Canada.
