Dr. Fatawu Abdulai, Assistant Professor and Dr. Sheila Novek, Post-Doctoral Fellow, received SSHRC Insight Development Grants (IDG) from the February 2023 competition. The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport, made the announcement on March 13, 2024 on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, at l’Université de Montréal.
March 13, 2024
Congratulations to our 2023 IDG awardees, Dr. Sheila Novek, and Dr. Fatawu Abdulai.
Dr. Sheila Novek (supervisor, Dr. Alison Phinney): Engagement and citizenship in nursing homes: An exploration of resident and family councils.
This study focuses on councils in nursing homes, which are intended to allow residents, their families, and staff to engage in open communication. Nursing homes are required to have these in place, but we have little understanding of whether or how they work, or best practices in setting them up and running them. This research looks at how these councils work and how laws and policies influence them.
The study will:
- Look at the laws and rules about resident and family councils in different parts of Canada.
- Talk to people in nursing homes in British Columbia and Manitoba about their experiences with these councils.
- Study how the councils are set up and how they affect how people get involved and feel like they belong.
- Make easy-to-understand guides that show efficient and helpful ways of running these councils.
| Co-applicant | Funk, Laura—University of Manitoba |
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| Co-applicant | Shariff, Mary—University of Manitoba |
| Co-applicant | Thompson, Genevieve—University of Manitoba |
| Collaborator | Cooke, Heather—Alzheimer Society of British Columbia |
Dr. Fatawu Abdulai (co-applicant Dr. Vicky Bungay): Understanding Technology-Mediated Trauma in Digital Platforms Designed for Promoting Sexual Health and Well-Being.
The Covid19 pandemic saw an accelerated adoption of digital technologies in Canada and across the globe, and people are reporting an increased use of online platforms to access social services. However, the design and deployment of digital technologies does not consider how such technologies could foment trauma among end users. Focusing on digital technologies developed to promote sexual well-being, the overarching objective of this study is to uncover people-centered, recommended strategies for preventing technology-mediated trauma. Technology-mediated trauma refers to the psychological impact of negative experiences facilitated or exacerbated by technology and digital platforms. It highlights the importance of addressing the intersection between technology use and mental health to promote safer and healthier online environments.
Our research aims to learn more about how technology affects people's mental health in terms of sexual well-being. We want to make technology safer for those who have experienced trauma, and to use this information to guide future studies on digital technology. Our results will also help organizations create safer digital platforms for people who need support and those who want to improve user experience on digital platforms.
| Co-applicant | Guta, Adrian—University of Windsor |
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| Collaborator | Gilbert, Mark—BC Centre for Disease Control |