SEARCH Custom
Through its Custom program, SEARCH Canada helps Alberta health organizations develop in-house capacity for evidence-informed practice and decision making. Supports and approach are customized to local needs and contexts. Services are administered and coordinated through SEARCH Canada staff at the Centre for Health and Policy Studies (CHAPS), University of Calgary. The Custom program builds on services established by the Alberta Consultative Health Research Network (ACHRN) and others active in the regions.
SEARCH Custom applies three key strategies: applied learning, support for applied research and practice projects, and network support and stimulation.
Applied Learning -This strategy involves building core knowledge and skills related to evidence-informed practice through in-person workshops, self-guided learning modules and learning tools. Typical learning topics include: research design, measurement and outcomes, proposal writing, program planning and evaluation, introduction to qualitative and quantitative research techniques, and critiquing research articles.
Applied Research Project Support - Project support connects health practitioners to customized, just-in-time academic coaching to support in-house research and evaluation projects, and provides a toolkit of resources to individuals and groups working on projects.
Network Support - Networks of health practitioners and academics facilitate knowledge exchange through:
- The SEARCHer Network (participants of SEARCH Classic program) continues to be active, with participants from all cohorts attending the SEARCH Forum seven, five and two years after completion.
- Geographic/Health Region Networks – supporting and stimulating networks of health practitioners and university/college faculty within health regions.
- Interest Networks – connecting with particular interest networks to expand interest and involvement in applied research.
Information and communications support for SEARCH Networks is provided through Knowledge Services.