McNally Project member Jen Bolster was awarded The Top EMS Research Award at the Annual Dalhousie EMS Research Day in October. This is awarded to the researcher whose research was acknowledged as being of high caliber and professional importance.
Jen works full time as a paramedic practice leader with BCEHS specializing in substance use, mental health, and organizational strategy in response to the drug poisoning crisis in British Columbia. She is a fierce advocate for equitable health care and social responsiveness in paramedic systems, and her research reflects such. Jen recently conducted two studies as part of her Honours year with Monash University: a scoping review into the paramedic role in caring for people who use drugs, and a curriculum document analysis of drug-related substance use education within paramedic institutes in BC.
Highlighted within her scoping review were many gaps in the literature surrounding the importance of the paramedic encounter with PWUD, including the lack of patient engagement within this literature, and minimal guidance on how paramedic systems can begin to shift into a more holistic entity, and implement harm reduction programs. As a self-identified qualitative researcher, Jen aims to investigate the perspectives of both patients and paramedics in her future research endeavors.
Well done Jen! We are very proud of your work and success!