Explore this page

Research Department

The goal of our Research Department is to build a Learning Health System that includes voices from our communities, helps advance health care delivery, enhances innovation, and contributes to improved health and well-being for all. We support both clinical and non-clinical research.

General inquiries can be directed to research@interiorhealth.ca.

Are you a student interested in health research? Please complete this questionnaire as part of your application to work with Interior Health's Research Department.

Current Research Focus

To help meet the health care needs of our communities, our current research areas of focus align with Interior Health’s strategic priorities, including:

Clinical trials
Community engagement
COVID-19
Environmental health
Healthcare workforce
Indigenous engagement
Mental health and substance use
Patient engagement
Rural and remote health
Seniors health and long term care

Services we offer

We provide expertise and support to both patient partners and health professionals in all aspects of research, including bridging the gap between knowledge and practice. We offer assistance with:

Education and capacity building
Ethical and operational approval processes
Grant application support
Knowledge translation and implementation (moving knowledge to practice and policy)
Patient partner advisory support
Research question development and study design
Research navigation
Student and researcher connections

Partnerships

BC SUPPORT Unit: a multi-partner organization created to support, streamline and increase patient-oriented research throughout British Columbia. The Interior Regional Centre represents a formal partnership between us and the BC SUPPORT Unit
Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RCCbc): an organization, in conjunction with the Rural Education Action Plan, that seeks to improve the health of rural people and communities of British Columbia. RCCbc collaborates with health authorities, bringing a province-wide focus to common health initiatives and issues
Michael Smith Health Research BC: The Long-Term Care Quality Initiative (LTC-QI) is a collaborative partnership between Michael Smith Health Research BC, the Ministry of Health, the provincial health authorities, and research and academic communities. The LTC-QI aims to embed research and translate knowledge into evidenced-based best practices in the Long-Term Care (LTC) sector across BC. The work is undertaken by a provincial team, spanning all 5 regional health authorities, adopting a collaborative, complementary and evidence-based approach to enhancing the experiences and outcomes for residents, families, and LTC staff in BC.

4 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We are IH: Recruitment advisor finds purpose in growing careers

Sahra joined IH just two months after graduating from Okanagan College, and has served in many roles with IH that led her to where she is today.

/stories/we-are-ih-recruitment-advisor-finds-purpose-growing-careers

3 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Stop guessing – Drug checking saves lives

Interior Health has non-judgmental drug checking services throughout the Interior region. Samples as small as a grain of rice can be tested.

/stories/stop-guessing-drug-checking-saves-lives

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

Foundation spotlight series: Lillooet District Hospital Foundation

Lillooet Hospital holds a special place in Jessica McLellan's heart. A 3rd-generation resident of Lillooet, she has served as LDHF's chair since 2018.

/stories/foundation-spotlight-series-lillooet-district-hospital-foundation

3 Minute Read

Community & Culture

We are IH: Labour relations specialist strengthens relationships

Righting wrongs gives Sharon a sense of purpose at work. There is no typical day in labour relations which makes the job exciting and a great fit for her.

/stories/we-are-ih-labour-relations-specialist-strengthens-relationships

3 Minute Read

Health & Wellness

Six ways to plan for age-related health decisions

Many of us embrace our 50s and 60s as an opportunity for adventure. Even if you’re feeling healthy now, it’s a good idea to plan your future health decisions.

/stories/six-ways-plan-age-related-health-decisions