ABOUT SHKN

The Seniors Health Knowledge Network (SHKN, originally the Seniors Health Research Transfer Network or SHRTN) is a provincial network that mobilizes evidence, shares knowledge and brokers relationships across disciplines and sectors among: practitioners, researchers, educators, policy makers, and older adults. It initially received provincial funding (2005-2014) but continues now through the support of its key stakeholders and is hosted by the Centre for Studies in Aging and Health at Providence Care.

Recent and ongoing activities include:

  • Partnership in Ontario’s AFC Outreach Program and the development of a Provincial Falls Prevention Strategy
  • Support to researchers and research groups by acting as a Knowledge User in several peer-funded grant applications
  • Contributions to webinars, a monthly e-newsletter and some emerging communities of practice

GOVERNANCE & FUNDING

Executive Committee: The main function of the Executive Committee is to develop and support the strategic plan of the Seniors Health Knowledge Network. It will meet at the call of Chair to guide the Network and identify funding opportunities and strategic partnerships.

Members of the Executive represent organizations/networks/groups from the Stakeholder Group who actively contribute resources to meeting the Strategic Plan.

Current Executive Members

Chair:

  • John Puxty, Centre for Studies in Aging & Health at Providence Care and the Ontario Interdisciplinary Council for Aging & Health

Members:

  • Larry W. Chambers, McMaster University
  • David Conn, Baycrest
  • Hélène Gagné, Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation
  • Elaine Wiersma, Centre for Education and Research on Aging & Health
  • Paula Ferreira, Baycrest
  • Jillian McConnell, Brain Exchange
  • Nisha Sutherland, Lakehead University

How is the Network funded?

The Seniors Health Knowledge Network is funded through support from various partner organizations and some project-based grants.

SHKN HISTORY

The Seniors Health Knowledge Network (SHKN), formerly the Seniors Health Research Transfer Network, has a rich history spanning over 15 years. It was initially supported by provincial funding/grants between 2005-2015 and hosted by the Bruyère research Institute.

SHKN aimed to link researchers, educators and practitioners in Ontario with goal of improving the health and care of Ontario’s older adults by supporting knowledge mobilization and building capacity. It sought to achieve this by supporting a number of Communities of Practice, funding early researchers, webinars and newsletter (see SHKN Retrospective Report and 2015 Annual Report)

In the absence of funding, the network continues to support providers, researchers and policy makers in the fields of aging and health by:

  • Contributing content to a provincial monthly newsletter distributed to XX health care providers, academics and policy makers
  • Collaborating in the delivery of webinars on topics related to aging and health
  • Providing provincial linkages to the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program
  • Supporting emerging Communities of Practice in collaboration with other partners

 

SHKN COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE

Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of practitioners, caregivers, policymakers, researchers, healthcare administrators, educators and leaders who come together to exchange information on a topic related to seniors health. Community groups are committed to supporting and learn from one another to develop new knowledge and applied practice.

Active CoPs include:

  • Fall Prevention Community of Practice: This Community of Practice (CoP) strives to create supportive communities where adults enjoy quality of life and maintain their independence through the prevention of falls. We support our members to build capacity in the prevention of falls and fall-related injuries.
  • Social Isolation Community of Practice: Through this Community of Interest, the Ontario Age-Friendly Communities Outreach Program and community partners seek to explore the best practices used to mitigate negative effects of social isolation among community-dwelling older adults during and post COVID-19.