This patient-oriented research project will engage people with lived and living experience throughout the research process as patient partners on the advisory committee. Clinicians and health system leaders are also key members of the advisory committee, ensuring diverse perspectives are represented. Together, they will help guide the study (e.g., inform the interview guide and recruitment strategies), contextualize the findings to the Nova Scotia setting, and co-develop the implementation recommendations and knowledge translation materials.

The research also addresses questions that matter to patients by examining how clinical decision support systems (CDSSs; both rule-based and AI-enabled) can be implemented in ways that preserve compassionate, person-centred care in emergency departments. Rather than focusing solely on the technology itself, the study seeks to understand how implementation can support better patient experiences, strengthen clinician-patient interactions, and improve health system decision-making. The findings will inform practical, evidence-based recommendations to support the effective implementation of CDSSs in ways that ultimately improve the quality, safety, and equity of care for patients.

Eligibility

- Lived experience using emergency department services (as a patient, family member, or caregiver) and an interest in improving emergency care experiences.
- Willingness to share perspectives and experiences to help ensure the research remains patient-centred and relevant.
- Ability to collaborate with diverse team members, including patients, clinicians, health system leaders, researchers, and technical experts.




- Willingness to learn about clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and AI-enabled clinical decision support systems, with basic background information provided by the PI to support meaningful participation in research discussions.
- Commitment to participate in scheduled meetings and activities throughout the research period (e.g., quarterly meetings and occasional ad hoc activities, if needed).
- Ability to provide constructive feedback on study materials, research processes, and knowledge translation products.
- Respect for diverse perspectives and experiences, recognizing that patients’ needs and experiences may vary across Nova Scotia communities.
- Interest in contributing to improving health system processes and patient outcomes through research and knowledge sharing.
- Access to the internet and a computer for online activities, including email communication and virtual meetings. If additional technical support is needed, the team will provide assistance in developing basic digital literacy skills so that the patient partner can comfortably participate in engagement meetings.
- > 19 yrs of age

- Able to speak and understand English

Time Commitment Patient partners will participate in quarterly meetings (~1.5 hrs) throughout the research period (2.5 years, if funded), with additional ad hoc meetings as needed. Engagement will include both synchronous (e.g., virtual meetings) and asynchronous activities (e.g., reviewing documents and providing feedback by email). Patient partners will be compensated for their time and contributions in accordance with institutional guidelines. Compensation Honorarium will be provided.

📌 Preparing Nova Scotia’s Emergency Departments for Effective Clinical Decision Support Implementation
🏢 Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit
📍 Nova Scotia