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EchoKT

About ECHO Research

Translating Evidence in Child Health to Enhance Outcomes (ECHO) is a research program led by Dr. Dr. Shannon Scott and housed at the University of Alberta, Faculty of Nursing. 

 

The ECHO research program is focused on improving health outcomes for children with acute health conditions through the application of best available evidence – a process known as knowledge translation (KT).

Simply put, KT is the process of taking information from reliable, evidence-based research and presenting it into a user-friendly form for everyone to understand. The goal of our work is to include and engage parents throughout this process.

Resources developed by ECHO Research (and our collaborators!) provide parents and families with evidence-based health information to help them make decisions about their child’s health. 

Check out our health resources
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The overall goal of the ECHO research program is to develop theory about the KT process specific to child health conditions and contexts, which will then be used to develop KT tools to improve outcomes for patients, their families and the health care system. The importance of studying KT efforts for Canadian children and youth is clear – it is fundamental to ensuring that the best available research evidence informs the health and health care of infants, children, youth and families, as well as improving efficiency within the delivery of health care to children.

Knowledge translation (KT) is formally defined by the CIHR as a “dynamic and iterative process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange, and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.”

The settings that deliver health care to children are unique and require input from a wide-range of health professionals. Providing care to children is more difficult because of five reasons:

  1. Children require more time, effort, and skill from staff caring for them
  2. Children demand higher emotional investment from health professionals
  3. Children’s health care needs are very dynamic in nature
  4. The expectation of family-centered care
  5. The unique ethical situations encountered in pediatric care

In order to overcome these barriers and make improvements to health care for children, our research focuses on common conditions that affect the largest numbers of children each year.

Meet The ECHO Research Team
Read About Our Latest Projects

ECHO

The ECHO research program is focused on improving health outcomes for children with acute health conditions through the application of the best available evidence — a process known as knowledge translation (KT).

ECHO circles
Disclaimer

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ECHO Research acknowledges and respects the diverse histories, languages, and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and all First Peoples who lived and continue to live in Amiskwacîwâskahikan (Beaver Hills House, also known as Edmonton). We respectfully acknowledge that we are located on Treaty 6 territory and Métis Region 4, and would like to thank the diverse Indigenous Peoples to whom this is a traditional gathering place, including the Cree, Blackfoot, Métis, Nakota Sioux, Iroquois, Dene, Ojibway, Saulteaux, Anishinaabe, Inuit, and many others whose histories, languages, and cultures continue to influence our vibrant community. We recognize it is our responsibility to respect Indigenous Ways of Knowing and are committed to learning and finding authentic ways of collaborating with Indigenous Peoples in our work.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in the video/multimedia content (the “Multimedia”) is provided on an “as is” basis and is offered for general information and educational purposes only; it is not offered as and does not constitute professional advice. There is no guarantee about the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the information found in the Multimedia. This information is provided without warranty of any kind, and the University of Alberta, its agents, employees, and students disclaim responsibility to any party for any loss or damage of any kind that may arise directly or indirectly as a result of the use of or reliance on the information contained in the Multimedia.

These resources may not be modified, reproduced or distributed without prior written consent of ECHO Research. Contact shannon.scott@ualberta.ca.

Physical treatments can include physiotherapy, prescribed exercise plans, strengthening exercises, massage, and more. 

Psychological treatments can include counselling or talk therapy, supportive therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, mediation, and more. They can be provided on a one-on-one basis or in a group setting.