Mr. Vahid Salehi Supervisors: Dr. Brian Veitch and Dr. Doug Smith
Mr. Salehi was awarded the 2021 ARC-NL-AGE-WELL Fellowship for this project entitled,
A Systematic Approach for Investigating and Enhancing Health-Related Issues of Frail Older People During Hospital to Home Processes. This was the first year ARC-NL partnered with AGE-WELL to co-sponsor a fellowship. As Canada’s technology and aging network, AGE-WELL brings together researchers, older adults, caregivers, partner organizations and future leaders to accelerate the delivery of technology-based solutions that make a meaningful difference in the lives of Canadians.
ARC-NL: What piqued your interest in this area of research?
Statistics show that Canada has witnessed an increasing population of individuals in the age of 65 years and above during the past three decades. Newfoundland and Labrador has experienced a rapid growth in terms of population aging. It is anticipated that these seniors will constitute one-third of the Newfoundland and Labrador population by the next decade. Hence, it is more important than ever that health and social services can provide proper care for frail older people.
ARC-NL: Can you please provide a brief synopsis of your specific project?
My PhD research focuses on frailty-related issues to create pioneering solutions to support healthy aging, as one of the most significant challenges and goals in healthcare systems is the maintenance of health in old age. Hospital-to-home transition processes are complex given that multiple technological, human, and organizational factors are involved. The research strives to develop and examine a systemic tool based on Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) to improve the quality of services for older adults. We have been working on the tool in order to monitor frail patients’ conditions during hospital-to-home transitions. The tool has the capacity to monitor the functionality of the entire healthcare system and to assess the performance of healthcare providers during the transitions.
ARC-NL: How did getting the support of the ARC-NL/AGE-WELL Graduate Fellowship assist you with your project?
Getting support from ARC-NL and AGE-WELL in the process of data collection assists me to build a more comprehensive model of the transition process for frail older adults. Moreover, getting financial support will assist me to focus more on my research.
ARC-NL: How do you feel your research will benefit the aging population of Newfoundland and Labrador? Canada?
My research opens a new window to enhance the situational awareness of older adults’ situation. It assists the healthcare system to know where a patient is and what steps they have in front to discharge from hospital. It also allows healthcare providers to know what types of services and medications a patient receives during the transition process. Finally, it helps develop practical recommendations for policy makers and clinicians on how to promote successful hospital-to-home transitions for frail older adults.
ARC-NL: Is there any past experience you feel is pertinent to your success today?
In my opinion, different factors can affect successes and failures. My personal characteristics of diligence and ambition, my family where I grew up, and my previous and current supervisors have all contributed to my success today. I would like to take this opportunity to dedicate this award to my mother who has contributed the most to my personal development.