Grants
Investing in research and innovation is a high priority for VHA Home HealthCare (VHA). Below are grants VHA has received throughout the years. These grant enable our researchers and to pursue new discoveries, develop technologies, and advance knowledge in home healthcare.
To see more of our academic productivity, visit our Peer-Reviewed Publications page.
2025
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Insight Development Grant. Determinants and costs of employee turnover: applying labour economic and organizational psychological theories to a women-dominated care workforce. Zagrodney KAP, King EC, McKay SM, Bourgeault IL. (principal investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Strengthening the Health Workforce: Implementing an Intervention to Integrate Health Workers into Community Care. Baumann A, Crea-Arsenio M, Antonipillai V, Li-James S, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. How has home care providers’ use of facial protective equipment changed since the pandemic Part 1: Literature update, key informant conversations and study preparation. King EC, Van Belle T, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Transferability of a Workplace Violence and Harassment Reporting & Response Program to a second Home and Community Care Provider Organization. King EC, Hassan S, Santhanarasa P, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Post-pandemic stewardship of personal protective equipment by home and community care organizations. King EC, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Post-pandemic facial protective equipment use by home care providers: Site 1. King EC, Saari M, Van Belle T, Sidhu PK, Giosa J, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Post-pandemic facial protective equipment use by home care providers: Site 2. Saari M, King EC, Van Belle T, Sidhu PK, Giosa J, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Understanding the relationship between facial protective equipment use and mental health among homecare workers. Van Belle T, King EC, Nizzer S, Saari M, Giosa J, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation SSHRC Institutional Grants. Determinants and costs of employee turnover: applying labour economic and organizational psychological theories to a women-dominated care workforce. Zagrodney KAP, King EC, McKay SM, Bourgeault IL. (principal investigator)
Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Seed Grant. Home Care Worker injury: Uncovering barriers to safe lift and transfer practice. Hopwood P, King EC, Brookman C, Bolt T, MacEachen E. (principal investigator)
2024
Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Health System Impact Fellowship. Implementation of a Medication Reminder Technology for Home Care Clients through Journey Mapping. Ilgar A, McKay SM, Chignell M. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Structuring Personal Support Practice using the Observe, Coach, Assist and Report (OCAR) Framework to Enhance Provider Inclusion in Team-Based Person-Centred Home Care. Giosa JL, Saari ME, Lefebre N, Holyoke P, Kalles EA, King EC, McKay SM, Mitchell L, Prentice D, Zagrodney KAP, Calver J, Constantineau S, Davidson S, Downey P, Durocher B, Schwartz T, Vansickle J, Wauchope L, Wong MC. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Subgrant. A restorative approach to workplace safety: Literature review and framework development. King EC, Nizzer S, Moreira N, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Subgrant. Development of Training to Support Personal Support Workers’ Management of Boundaries in Homecare. King EC, Nizzer S, Kalles EA, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Subgrant. Workplace Violence and Harassment Reporting and Response Practices in Home and Community Care: An Exploratory Chart Review. Nizzer S, King EC, Mohammed ECTL, Sidhu PK, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Diabetes Canada. Reducing health disparities in diabetes-related amputations through community-based foot screening: Using an evidence-informed education program for prevention and early management of diabetes-related foot complications. Woods N, Ng S, Cobbing S, Rac V, Andoniou E, Absulwasi M, Hei-Ching K, Hassan S, Hodges B, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
WeRPN: Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario. RPN leaders’ experiences of managing and responding to workplace violence and harassment in home and community care: A mixed methods study. Nizzer S, King EC, McKay SM, Washington P, Van Belle TA, Noblefranca H, Perez M, Benn A, Wong MC, Vigoda D. (principal investigator)
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Occupational hand dermatitis e-learning adaptation and evaluation for the food services sector. King EC, Holness DL, Kapoor K, Van Hulle H, Nichol KA. (principal investigator)
2023
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Planning and Dissemination Grant. Institute Community Support. Working Together to Meet the Needs of Older Adults Living in NORCs: Exploring the Intersection of Equity, Technology and Aging in Place. Saragosa M., Cullen M., Ho M., Jeffs L., Kokorelias K., Kuluski K., Ludwig Prout B., McKay S., Nickell L., Quon D., Singh H, Steele Gray C., Tang T., Nelson M. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Planning and Dissemination Grant. Advancing an Equity-first Research Agenda in an East Toronto Ontario Health Team. Shearkhani S, Smith K, Powis J, Altenberg J, McKay SM, Wang A, Wojtak A, Wright S, Istanboulian L, Bourne L, King EC, Rashed R, Quon D. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Subgrant. Factors influencing the mental wellbeing of Home Care Nurses. Van Belle TA, King EC, Nizzer S, Zagrodney KAP, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Subgrant. A Qualitative Exploration of Factors Influencing Job Attachment for Personal Support Workers in a Post-Pandemic Landscape. Nizzer S, King EC, Moriera N, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Seed Grant. Providing real-time feedback to reduce lumbar spine flexion for Personal Support Workers: A PostureCoach pilot field study. Dutta T, Dadkhah D, King EC. (co-investigator)
Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Seed Grant. Passive Exosuits for Home Health Care: A feasibility study with point-of-care home care providers. King EC, Brookman C, Meszaros K. (principal investigator)
TD Community Health Solutions 2023 Research Grant. Association between enrolment in the winter Surge initiative and rates of repeated emergency department visits at Michael Garron Hospital. Shearkhani S, Smith K, King EC, Shabani M, Quan D, Martin T. (co-investigator)
WeRPN: Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario. Amplifying RPN Nurse Leadership: Emotional Support Practices in the Home and Community Care Sector. Nizzer S, Amankwah D, King EC, McKay SM, Owusu-Mensah C, D’Souza JE. (principal investigator)
2022
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Training Platform. Early Professionals Inspired Careers -Assistive Technology (EPIC-AT): Innovators of Tomorrow Health Research Training Platform in AgeTech. Mihailidis A, Bier N, Choukou A, Freeman S, Hadjistravropoulos T, Kobayashi K, Stern B, Sveistrup H, Tamblyn R, Warner G, Yadollahi A, Aghvami S, Astell A, Barsky M, Bryanton O, Gallant N, Hebert P, Juzwishin D, Khan S, Komisar V, McKay SM, McNeil C, Sellen K, Sixsmith A, Urbanowski R. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Transitional care programs: Evaluation of performance and patient-oriented outcomes. McGilton K & Sidani S Bethell J, Guilcher S, Kuluski K, McElhaney J, McKay SM, Puts M. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Operating Grant. Examining the impact of COVID-19 on acute episodes of care and health care utilization among persons with spinal cord injury: A population-based administrative health data study. Guilcher SJT, Tu K., Jaglal SB, Craven BC, Moineddin R, Shepherd J, Noonan V, McKay SM, Cadel L. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Informing bathroom surface friction interventions to improve mobility and reduce falls. Novak AC, King EC, Levine IC, McKay SM, Siegmund G, Elkin B, Liu A. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Homecare nurse leaders’ experience and attitude toward working and emotional support needs during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Qualitative study. Nizzer S, King EC, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Home care nurses’ experience and attitudes toward work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nizzer S, King EC, McKay SM, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. A two-site study of factors influencing Facial Protective Equipment use by Rehabilitation Providers in Home Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic. King EC, Giosa JL, Zagrodney KAP, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders Seed Grant. Investigation of Safe and Feasible Alternatives to Two-Person Transfers. King EC, Brookman C, Ritcey S, Bastos S, Zeismann F. (principal investigator)
WeRPN: Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario. An analysis of an Educational Bridging Program targeting growth in the nursing workforce within Ontario home and community care and long-term care home settings. Connelly D (PI), Guitar N, Prentice K, Garnett A, Smith-Carrier T, Smye V, Pearson D, Sun W, Calver J, McKay SM, King EC, & Ali S. (co-investigator)
2021
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Health System Impact Fellowship. Examining the Care Transition Experiences of Home Care Clients through Journey Mapping. Saragossa M, McKay SM, Kuluski K. (co-investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Field testing anti-fogging solutions for goggles and face shields. King EC, Ameer H, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Holness, DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Who meets homecare workers’ emotional support needs? Nizzer S, Moreira N, King EC, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Charting a path forward for occupational disease prevention in the home care and community support sectors: A stakeholder symposium. King EC, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
eCampus – Virtual learning Strategy. Adapting the CACE Homecare Curriculum for pre-licensure health and social care students. Ng S, Woods N, McKay SM, Paul R, Aiyaduria D, Lising D. (co-investigator)
Future Skills Centre Shock-proofing the Future of Work. Future-proofing the PSW workforce: Toward confidence, competence and resilience. Ng S, Woods N, McKay SM, Paul R, Aiyadura R, Rojas D, Bulmer B, Morey-Hollis M, Tassone M. (co-investigator)
Public Health Agency of Canada Immunization Partnership Fund. PSW-led vaccine education for PSWs: A coalition to rebuild trust and support informed choice. Woods N, Ng S, McKay SM, Barned C, Goldenberg M, Alibi C. (co-investigator)
TD Community Health Solutions Fund COVID-19 Research Grant Competition 2021. Virtual COVID-19 Recovery Pathway (VICORPA). Fraser, I, Istanboulian, L, Smith C, Scrivener A, Bean C, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
WeRPN: Registered Practical Nurses of Ontario Academic Research Grant Program. Building a sustainable supply of home care RPNs through employer-based education assistance. Bolongaita L, King EC, Flecker K, Mehboob F, Uzelac D, Martin T, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
2020
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease. Factors influencing Facial Protective Equipment use by Home Care Workers during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Nichol KA, Holness DL, McKay SM, King EC, Zagrodney KAP. (principal investigator)
Centre for Research Expertise in Occupational Disease Pilot Study Grant. Homecare PSW Attitudes towards working during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. Ruco A, Nizzer S, Holness DL, King EC, McKay SM, Nichol KA. (co-investigator)
Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario Nurse Innovator Award. Connected Care on the Go. Keilty K, Chiu S, Wong MC, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
Ryerson University Fast Funding for COVID-19 Science. The impact of COVID-19 on pediatric home care practices for children with medical complexity: Policy recommendations and practice guidelines. LeGrow K, Espin, S, McKay SM, Cohen E, Keilty K, Spalding K. (co-investigator)
2019
CIHR - Canadian Institutes for Health Research Transition in Care Team Grant. A Comprehensive Transitional Care Program Delivered Through a Virtual Care Platform For Children and Adults Transitioning to Home Ventilation in Ontario: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. Amin R, Rose L, Gershon, A, Pizzuti R, Bhatia S, Chiang J, Cornejo D, Palma K, Fraser I, Goldstein R, Leasa D, Lim A, McKay SM, McKim D, Moretti M, Nonoyama M, Sidhu A, Tandon A, Toonders B, Workentin K. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Transition in Care Evaluation Grant. Service Design for Integrated Care: A Developmental Evaluation of the Neighbourhood Care Team Model in Toronto. Shaw J, Lockert S, Adams J, Anderson G, Baker R, Bhatia S, Bhattacharyya O, Feng P, Gordon D, McKay SM, Nichol KA, O’Campo P, Pitzul K, Pomedli S. (co-investigator)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Transitional Care Programs. Advancing Our Understanding of What Works. McGilton K, Robertson M, Bronskill S, Sidani S, Woodchis W, McElhaney J, McKay SM, Puts M. (co-investigator)
Canadian Centre for Aging in Brain Health Innovation Spark Innovation Challenge. Staying Connected: Using Technology to Support Healthy Community Living for Persons Living with Dementia. McKay SM, Nichol KA, Jaffar N. (principal investigator)
Canadian Frailty Network. Promoting Movement in Older Adults in the Community. Lui B, Feldman S, Holroyd-Leduc J, Holyoke P, McKay SM, McNeil H, Ryan D, Sharon S. (co-investigator)
East Toronto Health Network. Winter Surge: Maintaining Critical Capacity. Evaluation of Community Partner Engagement Programming. McKay SM, Feng P. (co-principal investigator)
WSIB Grants Program. Occupational Hand Dermatitis in Healthcare – Development and evaluation of an online learning and self-screening program. Nichol KA, Holness DL, Copes R. (principal investigator)
2018
Canadian Institutes of Health Research Project Grant. Developing evidence-based recommendations to prevent falls and improve safety during bathing transfers. Novak AC, King EC, McKay SM, Wang R, Guay M, Mihailidis A. (co-investigator)
Healthcare Insurance Reciprocal of Canada Foundation Research Safety Grants: Improving Organizational Safety Culture. Creating a safe work environment for personal support workers caring for clients with cognitive impairment. Nichol KA, McKay SM, Ruco A, Edwards B, Morgan D, Holness DL. (principal investigator)
Bloorview Centre for Leadership. Long Term Ventilation Discharge Pathway: Evaluating the Perceptions of Family Caregivers on Skill Acquisition and Competency. Amin R, Chiang J, Dryden-Palmer K, Keilty K, Lindsay S, Hoffman A, Syed F, Polyviou J, Fellin M, Gnanasabesan C, Perkins S, McMackin S, McKay SM, Dutta T. (co-investigator)
Toronto Central Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) Research & Innovation Grant. Promoting Innovation in Home and Community Care: A Research Program. Shaw J, Bhatia S, Martin D, McKay SM, Nichol KA, Anderson G, Bhattacharyya O, McGahan A, Baker R. (co-investigator)
Toronto Central Local Health Integrated Network (LHIN) East Sub Region. Winter Surge: Maintaining Critical Capacity. Evaluation of Community Partner Engagement Programming. McKay SM, Feng P. (co-principal investigator)
Retired Teachers Federation of Ontario. Senior Friendly 7 Practice Toolkits for Personal Support Workers. Liu B, Ryan D, McKay SM, Rahim A, Atungo S. (co-investigator)
2017
Canadian Institutes of Health Research SPOR PIHCI Network Knowledge Synthesis Grants. Identifying and Understanding the Health and Social Care Needs of Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions and their Caregivers: A Scoping Review. McGilton K, Puts M, Bergman H, Andrew M, Morgan D, Vedel I, Ayal A, Dube V, Marshall E, Ploeg J, Walker J, Wodchis W, McElhaney J, Sampali T, McKay SM, Bell D, Sinha S, Fernie G, McNeil D, Grimes S, Beaudet L, Hale L. (co-investigator)
Canadian Centre for Aging in Brain Health Innovation Spark Innovation Challenge. Virtual Calm, Using VR Videos to Reduce Dementia Distress. McKay SM, Stoikopolous P, Chater C, Barrie G, Annett C, Nichol KA. (co-investigator)
Norman Saunders Complex Care Initiative Grant Competition. Paediatric Tracheostomy Care: An evaluation of an innovative competency-based education program for community health care providers. Amin R, Orkin J, Chu S, Walsh K, Keilty K, McKay SM. (co-investigator)
2016
Beryl Institute Patient Experience Program. Exploring parent’s perceptions and experiences of client and family-centred care in home care: A Photovoice study. Nizzer S, Ryan S, McKay SM. (principal investigator)
2015
Sim-One SIM-based CIPD grant. Learning in place to support aging in place: A virtual home-based homecare cirriculum. Woods N, McKay SM, Whitehead C, Rochon P, Jenkins K, Evans C, Hart C, Gold K, Campbell D. (co-investigator)