BCNRI Background

The BC Ministry of Health has provided $8 million to MSFHR for the BC Nursing Research Initiative (BCNRI). The purpose of the initiative is to link the practice and academic community in developing a vision, goals and program recommendations for supporting practice-relevant health services research related to the nursing workforce and associated policy initiatives.

Planning Process

Under the Nursing Research Advisory Council’s Terms of Reference, the Council was charged to consult and develop recommendations regarding strategic and funding priorities to support, promote and build capacity for applied research that is focused on addressing issues related to professional nursing practice environments, nursing education, nursing workforce and related service and program initiatives. The purpose of the research: to inform policy and practice innovation within the BC health system.

NRAC Terms of Reference (PDF)

In July 2007 NRAC began the work of articulating a vision and goals to guide its work. In October 2007 the Council approved the vision, mandate, goals and principles for the BC Nursing Research Initiative. They also approved the Terms of Reference for two Task Forces. The Research Priorities Task Force developed recommendations on research priorities to be addressed through the initiative and on funding mechanisms to support the research; the Capacity Building Task Force identified capacity building needs and appropriate funding mechanisms for supporting these activities. Task Force membership included approximately 50 per cent NRAC members and 50 per cent from outside NRAC.

BCNRI Vision, Mandate, Goals & Principles

The two Task Forces met twice and developed high level recommendations on research and capacity building priorities.

Before moving to the next steps, the BC Nursing Research Initiative requested feedback from the nursing and broad health services practice community and the academic community on the Task Force Preliminary Recommendations. More than 30 responses were received.

Task Force Preliminary Recommendations (PDF)

Feedback from the community was considered, together with the Task Force preliminary recommendations by NRAC members in March, 2008. Revisions based on this input were approved. Staff was directed to develop an outline of capacity building and research programs with high level funding allocations to address the recommendations. These were discussed and endorsed by NRAC and were approved by the MSFHR Board on September 26, 2008.

Recommendations to Build Research Capacity and Address Research Priorities (PDF)

MSFHR is now implementing the practice and policy recommendations in a phased manner. The Foundation is responsible for developing guidelines and evaluation criteria for approved programs and initiatives, for establishing review processes and all other aspects of administering awards or other funding mechanisms, including evaluation.

Current Activities
 

Last updated January 8, 2010