How Implementation Science Redefined My Research
I was introduced to the field of Implementation Science when I was a member of the International Society of Nephrology Emerging Leaders Program. Kidney disease affects , and mortality from kidney diseases is rising. In my field of nephrology, there are in the care of patients with kidney disease. So I jumped at the opportunity to learn more about how implementation science (IS) could inform my work, both locally and internationally.
Participation in Implementation Science Training Initiative (ISTI)
As a member of the 1st cohort of the Implementation Science Training Initiative (ISTI), I joined health researchers from various fields for in-person intensives and webinars during the 2-year program. Through the interactive and collaborative learning environment in the training program, and ongoing ISTI mentorship from IS expert , I was able to hone IS skills while advancing my implementation projects.
Improving Follow up Care After Hospitalization in People with Acute Kidney Injury
When I started ISTI, I focused on developing a project to improve follow-up care after acute kidney injury (AKI - an abrupt decline in kidney function). The idea originated with my , a diverse group representing 12 countries. With co-lead nephrologist , we held focus groups with nephrologists, GP鈥檚, and patient/caregiver partners to understand barriers to follow up care after hospitalization in patients with AKI in BC.
We then co-developed , including an AKI-specific discharge template, and educational resources for primary care providers and patients. A feasibility study is currently underway at multiple hospital sites in BC to evaluate implementation and effectiveness of these strategies. The aim is to generate generalizable knowledge that can help to inform implementation across other settings.
Optimizing Potassium Management in People with Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Diseases
I am also interested in evaluating and improving potassium management practices for people with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and/or cardiovascular disease. High potassium levels 鈥� known as hyperkalemia 鈥� can lead to severe health outcomes such as arrhythmias and death.
Through the ISTI program, I learned about, and applied for, IS grant funding to support engagement with interest holders. With a CIHR planning grant for 鈥淥ptimizing Potassium Management in Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic Syndrome鈥�, we assembled multidisciplinary health care providers from nephrology, cardiology, endocrinology, and primary care, with patient partners, from across BC. Three working groups focused on different aspects of potassium management, addressing key questions and identifying evidence-based practices that could improve outpatient management of hyperkalemia.
In April 2026, we held an in-person co-design meeting to bring together all working group members. Small group discussions took the form of a 鈥淲orld Caf茅鈥�, facilitated by . We elucidated important outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators to implementing evidence-based practices, and possible strategies to address these factors. The event was live graphic recorded by Miranda Maslany from . The process supported meaningful engagement with diverse interest holders, in such a way that allowed all perspectives to be heard. It was a great way to apply my ISTI learning while building IS capacity in my research teams.
Looking ahead
Moving forward, with additional support from the Canadian Training Platform for Trials Leveraging Existing Networks () Early Career Researcher award, the co-design process for the potassium project will culminate in the development of a pragmatic, real-world implementation trial.
I am now involved in IS capacity building in nephrology on a national scale. I joined the Knowledge Mobilization Committee for the to provide expertise around knowledge mobilization and implementation processes to facilitate the scaling and spreading of evidence generated from patient-oriented kidney research projects in Canada.
ISTI has expanded my research horizons, grown my research networks, and reinforced the importance of patient-oriented research. IS has made my work more meaningful and impactful. I am forever grateful to have started my IS journey at this pivotal time in my career.
