Research

The College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta (CLPNA) believes that high-quality research can advance knowledge about the practical nurse profession and regulation. We support research that aligns with our mandate of protecting the public.

We lead research initiatives as well as offer funding opportunities and in-kind support for academic researchers who would like to conduct studies. In 2020, Bill 46, the Health Statutes Amendment Act, introduced the future regulation of Health Care Aides (HCAs). When the amendment is proclaimed, HCAs will be regulated as a distinct profession within the CLPNA. In preparation, the CLPNA may fund research aimed at informing HCA regulation.

For more information: Email the Performance Measurement and Research Team

Funded Projects

Annually, the CLPNA awards research grants to build capacity for health regulation research. This research grant supports research and advancement of knowledge on regulation and registrant practice.

The following policy outlines expectations for recipients: Policy: Research Funding (October 2020)

 

CLPNA Research Grant Recipients
2023
To be awarded in the fall 2023
2022
Exploring the Impact of Industry Health Care Aide Clinical Instructional Methods on Student Outcomes (In progress)

This study aims to identify gaps in training for practicing HCAs who mentor HCA students in their clinical placements. Gaining knowledge about the experiences and training of HCAs will help inform the future regulation of HCAs, offering potential insights around educational needs.

Principal investigator: Ashley Goddard (Bow Valley College)
2021
The Experiences of Becoming a Regulated Professions: A Qualitative Interpretative Description Interview Study of Health Care Aides (In progress)

This study will explore gaps in the HCA understanding of their regulatory obligations to support safe practice.

Principal investigator: Dr. Jennifer Jackson (University of Calgary)
2020
Evaluating the Feasible and Sustainable Culture Change Model – A novel, web-based intervention to increase the provision of person-centred care practice in residential care homes.

 

Principal investigator: Dr. Sienna Caspar (University of Lethbridge)
2017
Enhancing LPN-Family Communication to Reduce Avoidable Transfers of Long-Term Care or Assisted Living Residents to the Emergency Department: A Mixed Methods Study
Principal Investigator: Dr. Jude Spiers (University of Alberta
2017
LPNs as Change Agents: Building LPN Leadership Capacity to Enable Practice Change in Residential Care Homes
Principal investigator: Dr. Sienna Caspar (University of Lethbridge)
2016
Optimizing Licensed Practical Nurses in Home Care: Their Role, Scope and Opportunities

 

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kimberly Fraser (University of Alberta)

CLPNA Projects

The CLPNA leads a variety of research related activities to increase an understanding of the practical nurse profession. Below are some of these activities:

Other Research Projects

The CLPNA works externally with partners in its research activities. This work includes publications, in-kind support for research studies and presentations. Below you will find an overview of some of these projects.

To read more about the history of research at the CLPNA, please view: Advancing Knowledge for the Licensed Practical Nurse Profession: 2015-2017