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Title: Collaborative processes in teacher teams
Contributors: Joel Taylor (author), Catherine Whalen (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Peter MacMillan (Committee member), Deborah Koehn (Committee member)
Abstract: In this project, I explored how school leaders can support and promote collaborative processes in teacher teams. The completed project provides a comprehensive literature review on various aspects of collaboration in teacher teams and leadership process and structure behind them. This study did not create new knowledge through academic research, but rather took existing research to synthesis into a manageable Professional Development template to be used in the future to inform and support the learning of practicing professionals in the field of K-12 education. I am a practicing secondary school teacher who has witnessed the benefits of collaboration first hand. My experiences in education have led to my desire to explore various issues surrounding collaboration on the K-12 education context through this project.
Discipline: Education-Multidisciplinary Leadership

Title: The experiences of emergency nurses working during situations of crowding
Contributors: Katharine Alexandra Clark (author), Davina Banner-Lukaris (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Martha MacLeod (Committee member), Suzanne Johnston (Committee member)
Abstract: Background: While the causes and consequences of patient crowding in emergency departments are clearly defined, little is known about the experiences of emergency nurses working in these conditions. The aim of this study was to develop a greater understanding of emergency nurses’ experiences working during situations of crowding. Methods: Fourteen emergency nurses were individually interviewed. Data was analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. Results: Five major themes were identified: challenges of the ED environment, impacts of the environment on practice, professional impacts, impacts on person, and teamwork: the silver lining. Participants described crowding as occurring on a consistent and regular basis; this had both negative and positive impacts upon their professional and personal lives. Discussion: Emergency nurses are persistent in their desire to provide quality patient care, despite situations of crowding. Future implications involve identifying positive practice supports and providing education on self-care practices to foster positive personal health outcomes.
Discipline: Nursing

Title: Animals are People Too: An Ecocritical Exploration of Fantasy in Environmental Children's Literature
Contributors: Dustin James Batty (author), Kristen Guest (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Kevin Hutchings (Committee member), Cindy Hardy (Committee member)
Abstract: This thesis examines the use of fantasy to promote ecological consciousness in environmental children’s literature. The theoretical foundation of my study is ecocriticism, which explores literary representations of humans’ relationship with the nonhuman. Using this theory, I analyse three novels: Richard Adams’ Watership Down, Diana Young’s FernGully, and Salman Rushdie’s Haroun and the Sea of Stories. These three novels all contain different fantastical elements, and they all address different specific environmental issues. Despite their differences, all three texts promote an Earth-centred perspective of the world rather than the standard human-centred mindset that typically pervades Western thinking. My analysis shows that fantasy is a useful genre for authors of environmental children’s literature because its wide range of possible settings and characters offers a flexibility that allows authors to approach environmental issues in unique ways that engage readers’ intellects and imaginations.
Discipline: English

Title: The understanding and management of stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation in Northern British Columbia
Contributors: Alexandra Marleau (author), Davina Banner-Lukaris (thesis advisor), Lela Zimmer (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Ken Prkachin (committee member)
Abstract: Atrial fibrillation (AF) affects one percent of the global population, and eight percent of Canadians over the age of sixty-five years. AF is a common predicting factor for ischemic stroke and can cause a five-hundred percent increase in stroke risk. This study aimed to fill a gap in the current literature by investigating a demographic that have not been studied and explored how healthcare providers can improve uptake of preventative measures against stroke. This study investigates the understanding and management of stroke risk in patients with AF living in northern British Columbia through the use of in-depth interviews, using a qualitative-descriptive design. Data was analyzed thematically using NVIVO 11 into three separate themes: Living with AF; Stroke Prevention and Decision-making; and Navigation. Results from this research highlight the importance of people diagnosed with AF taking oral anticoagulation and providing education about their increased risk of stroke.
Discipline: Nursing

Title: Identifying at-risk youth: strategies to help them succeed
Contributors: Marie Peters (author), Andrew Kitchenham (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), John Sherry (Committee member), Lisa Horswell (Committee member)
Abstract: Approximately 30-40% of Canadian children are deemed to be at risk of not completing high school and 1.2 million or 27.6% of Canadian children under the age of 11 can be considered vulnerable to emotional, behavioural, social, or academic problems. Through the use of unobtrusive research under a qualitative research paradigm, a democratic approach to education focusing on empowering members of the teaching community and students has been done. This research narrows the gap between traditional education practices and explores new ways of instruction in order to create a healthy learning environment where students are able to feel excited and empowered through their learning. This manual encourages educators to try, adapt, and adopt new methodologies in their teaching repertoire. Intervention strategies include physical literacy, adventure-based learning, strengths-based approach, and social justice.
Discipline: Education-Special Education

Title: The long-term relational impacts of child sexual abuse by a parent
Contributors: Bernadette Ridley (author), unknown unknown (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), unknown unknown (Committee member)
Abstract: This qualitative autoethnographic research study examines the long-term relationship impacts of child sexual abuse (CSA) by parent. Using snowball sampling seven resilient women were recruited for this research. From an autoethnographic and feminist perspective the researcher shares her personal story of CSA in solidarity with the seven women participants. Through semi-structured interviews the women contributors gave deep and rich relational personal her/stories about being sexually abused by their fathers. Using a “six-phase” model of thematic analysis, member checking, and qualitative transparency, two over-arching themes, and eight subthemes emerged from the data. Finally, through this research study it was apparent there needs to be more research about the understudied long-term relational impacts of being sexually abused by a parent and the mother’s and families role in colluding with the perpetrator.
Discipline: Social Work

Title: Adolescence and depression: reducing cardiovascular disease through preventive health checks
Contributors: Ashley Elizabeth Gueret (author), Lela Zimmer (thesis advisor), Celia Evanson (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Sandra Allison (committee member)
Abstract: Adolescent depression is a prevalent, serious health condition seen in primary care that is associated with many adverse physiologic changes, including cardiovascular disease. The aim of this integrative review was to examine those cardiovascular changes and determine whether preventive health checklists can help screen, identify, and ultimately prevent these changes. The eight studies selected for this review do not provide enough evidence to support the use of preventive health checklists as a way to prevent the cardiovascular effects of depression in adolescents. However, they form the basis for recommendations to be implemented in the primary care setting for ways to mitigate the risk of cardiovascular disease in adolescents with depression including using a multidisciplinary approach and guidelines for monitoring vital signs, weight, and bloodwork of these adolescents. Areas for future research are suggested and limitations of the evidence are also acknowledged.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Title: Collaborating with palliative care teams to provide end of life care for patients with heart failure
Contributors: Melanie Starzyk (author), Shannon Freeman (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Fiona Hutchison (committee member)
Abstract: Advanced heart failure (HF) can be difficult for nurse practitioners (NPs) to manage in primary care due to the unpredictable nature of the condition. Further, barriers that patients with HF experience in regards to receiving end of life (EOL) care hinder NP collaboration with palliative care teams. The goal of the project is to answer: How can NPs working in a primary care setting collaborate with palliative care teams to provide patients who have HF with EOL care? A literature search was conducted using the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, PubMed Medline, PsychInfo, Social Work Abstracts and the National Guideline Clearinghouse electronic databases. Evidence was also gathered using backward and forward reference searching, and highly relevant grey literature from the BC Heart Failure Network. The Canadian Interprofessional Health Collaborative (CIHC) framework was used to describe the theoretical underpinnings of this paper by outlining the factors involved to achieve interprofessional collaboration. There were 33 articles retrieved during the literature search to inform how NPs can collaborate with palliative care teams for patients with HF at EOL. There were no articles that answered the research question directly. Instead, barriers and issues for patients with HF receiving EOL care were identified in the findings. Nurse practitioners can collaborate with palliative care teams by addressing the barriers to EOL care for patients with HF that relates to communication, leadership, role clarification, team functioning, and conflict resolution. Nurse practitioners should be encouraged to collaborate with palliative care teams to improve accessibility to palliative care for patients with HF at EOL. Future research is needed to directly inform how collaboration can occur with palliative teams to provide patients who have HF with EOL care.
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Title: Exploring and redefining home visitability with the Scia'new and Esquimalt Nations
Contributors: Renée Ahmadi (author), Josée Lavoie (thesis advisor), Henry Harder (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Agnes Pawlowski-Mainville (committee member), Glen Schmidt (committee member)
Abstract: This qualitative study was designed in collaboration with the Scia’new and Esquimalt Nations to learn how home and community design impacts the health and quality of life of those living with mobility challenges in their communities. The research questions were: 1) How does the presence or absence of the three structural visitability features (a zero step entry, 32 inch wide doorway and a wheelchair accessible bathroom on the main floor) impact First Nations people with disabilities, 2) What barriers and supports most impact the quality of life of those living with disabilities, 3) How does reserve community infrastructure influence individual home visitability? Methods included: a community scan to assess the layout and physical infrastructure, and photovoice, employed to provide a medium for documentation by participants and to stimulate individual interviews...
Discipline: Disability Management

Title: The role of nurse practitioners in primary care in optimizing risk stratification for coronary heart disease in Canadian women: an integrative review
Contributors: Parveen Sangha (author), Caroline Sanders (Thesis advisor), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), Davina Banner-Lukaris (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Natasha Prodan-Bhalla (Committee member)
Abstract: Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in Canadian women. Despite advances in screening and research, CHD continues to pose a significant health care burden to Canadian women. This integrative literature review explores how a Nurse Practitioner (NP) in primary care can optimize risk stratification for CHD in Canadian women. A systematic search of the contemporary literature identified 11 key articles. These were analyzed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools to assess relevance and the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence. Three key themes emerged from the literature and are explored in detail: the limitations of current risk prediction models for risk stratification in women; the emergence and evolving importance of female-specific risk factors; and additional adjunctive testing (coronary artery calcium screening) that may improve the accuracy of risk prediction models in women. ...
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Title: The absence of gender in Canadian foreign policy
Contributors: Charelle L. Gribling (author), Heather Smith (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Fiona MacPhail (committee member), Rebecca Tiessen (committee member)
Abstract: Using a postcolonial feminist perspective, this thesis investigates gender in Canadian foreign policy toward South Africa, specifically toward HIV/AIDS programs, during the Harper era. This thesis shows that other than a superficial inclusion in the discourse, there was an absence of gender in Canadian foreign policy, under the Harper government. Moreover, there was a lack of attention paid to the complexity of HIV/AIDS and GBV intersection, and there was only a shallow effort by DFATD to prompt inclusion of gender while local practitioners had a keen understanding of the intersection. The absence in the Harper government discourse and practice showed a lack of understanding of the complexity of the issue, which is the lived experience of those on the ground in South Africa.
Discipline: International Studies-International Development

Title: Clinical social work: trauma informed practice and arts based programs
Contributors: Nicole Marie Tourangeau (author), Joanna Pierce (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Glen Schmidt (Committee member), Clarie Johnson (Committee member)
Abstract: My practicum placement took place at two non-profit organizations in Prince George, British Columbia. The first portion of my practicum took place at Surpassing Our Survival Society, which offers specialized counselling to people who have experienced sexual abuse. The second portion of my practicum took place at Central Interior Native Health Society, which is a multidisciplinary primary care team that assists primarily Aboriginal people, people who are living or close to living on the streets, and people who experience problems with alcohol and drug addiction. My objective within my practicum was to practice from a trauma informed perspective and to gain an understanding of how alternative therapies, such as arts based practices and group modalities, can be incorporated into various agencies.
Discipline: Social Work

Title: Negotiating the conditions of Bella's desire
Contributors: Devon Flesher (author), Karin Beeler (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Si Transken (committee member), Stan Beeler (committee member)
Abstract: Through detailed analysis of the relationship between lead characters, Bella Swan and Edward Cullen, this thesis explores the Twilight Saga’s representation of sexuality. In the four novels and five film adaptations, the series presents female sexuality as threatening to the patriarchal status-quo, while simultaneously depicting a version of male sexuality that is fragile and in need of protecting. By examining Edward’s fears about his sexuality, and therefore cultural anxiety about the sexual behaviour of adolescent males, this work engages in a close examination of the way that Bella is represented as a threat to Edward and the patriarchal structure of his family. To evaluate the impact of the saga on attitudes of fans, this study provides a critical analysis of a selection of Twilight fan fiction. These stories represent a feminization of writing and a path to the creation of what Hélène Cixous calls 'écriture feminine,' or women's writing, via collaborative and reciprocal story telling that allows the audience to participate in the creation of the story and therefore shape the meaning of the text.
Discipline: Gender Studies

Title: Raven bloodlines, Tsimshian identity
Contributors: Spencer Greening (author), Ross Hoffman (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Gary Wilson (committee member), Charles R. Menzies (committee member)
Abstract: Raven Bloodlines, Tsimshian Identity is an ethnographic discussion on the sociopolitical values lived by the Tsimshian. This thesis is written from my own Tsimshian perspective, describing my pedagogical journey of Tsimshian identity, politics, and law in a matrilineal society. This thesis aims to recognize the inclusiveness and importance of matrilineal ties between intertribal communities, and highlight how western interpretations of anthropological literature have led to colonial influence in areas such as individualized rights, responsibilities, and land ownership amongst the Tsimshian. I interviewed the Tsimshian Hereditary Chiefs of my phratry to gain insight into the responsibility held to one’s family, community, and nation. By understanding and living ancestral sociopolitical values, my work aims to add to the discussion of Indigenous methods, ethnography, and pedagogy, while helping the reader gain insight into Tsimshian sociopolitical structure and its influence on intertribal relationships.
Discipline: Interdisciplinary Studies

Title: Surviving childhood trauma: First Nations novels and the Indian residential school
Contributors: Jay Lewyn (author), Dee Horne (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Blanca Schorcht (committee member), Antonia Mills (committee member)
Abstract: Indian Residential Schools were a “central element” in “Canada’s Aboriginal policy” for over a century, contributing to what is now referred to as “cultural genocide,” the attempted “destruction” of “the political and social institutions” of Aboriginal peoples (Truth and Reconciliation 1). This thesis examines the literary representation of the traumatic effects of residential schools in three Canadian novels by three Aboriginal authors: Robert Arthur Alexie’s Porcupines and China Dolls (Gwich’in); Tomson Highway’s Kiss of the Fur Queen (Cree); and Richard Wagamese’s Indian Horse (Ojibway). The life journeys of the male protagonists in these novels structure my analysis: their response to trauma in childhood; the destructive behaviors they develop in adulthood; and the processes of healing that conclude the novels. Residential schools severely disrupted the health of interpersonal and communal relations amongst Aboriginal peoples, and interrupted cultural continuity. ...
Discipline: English

Title: Closing the gap: reflections on school social work and decolonizing practice
Contributors: Rebecca Tallman (author), Heather Peters (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Joanna Pierce (Committee member), April Henderson (Committee member)
Abstract: This report explores the role social workers can play in closing the Aboriginal education and achievement gap in Canada. Aboriginal students in Canada receive less funding and are less likely to be successful in school when compared to non-Aboriginal Canadians (McMahon, 2014). As a result, Aboriginal students graduate at a much lower rate than non-Aboriginal students. The lower graduation rate experienced by Aboriginal students is often referred to as the Aboriginal education and achievement gap. Aboriginal students who are at risk of not graduating face a number of environmental barriers that make it difficult for them to be successful in the classroom. Therefore, support services, including social workers are integral to the success of Aboriginal students within the school system (Joseph, Slovak, & Broussard, 2010). This report outlines my practicum experience with the Aboriginal Social Work Program of School District 57 in Prince George, British Columbia ...
Discipline: Social Work

Title: Shared decision making in primary care: barriers and facilitators of shared decision making in the context of decreasing the use of unnecessary antibiotics for preschool children ages 3-5 with upper respiratory tract infections
Contributors: Danielle Raiser (author), Linda Van Pelt (Thesis advisor), Janet Bailles (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Chantel Canessa (Committee member)
Abstract: The unnecessary use of antibiotics for upper respiratory infections is a global public health concern (Alumran, Hou & Hurst, 2013; Lucas et al., 2015; Dwibedi et al., 2015; Kutty, 2011; Llor & Bjerrum, 2014; Rouusounides et al., 2011). This issue is most prevalent in preschool aged children, due to the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in this group (Alumran, Hou, & Hurst, 2013; Clavenna & Bonati, 2011; Vodicka, et al., 2013). An integrative review was done and ten articles were chosen to answer the question: What are the barriers and facilitators to implementing shared decision making in relation to unnecessary antibiotic use in primary care settings when primary care providers are working with parents of preschool aged children with upper respiratory infections? Barrier subthemes identified were ineffective communication and lack of parental knowledge...
Discipline: Nursing-Family Nurse Practitioner

Title: Factors affecting hospice care use among long-term care facility residents in Canada
Contributors: Beibei Xiong (author), Shannon Freeman (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Davina Banner-Lukaris (committee member), Lina Spirgiene (committee member)
Abstract: Hospice care can improve quality of life for persons nearing end of life. Little is known about hospice care practices in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Canada. This thesis included 185,715 residents in LTCFs in Canada in 2015 and followed their death records to 2016 to examine the characteristics of residents who received hospice care and those who did not but may have benefitted from it. Univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used depending on the variable type. Results show the actual use of hospice care in LTCFs is very low in Canada (i.e. less than 3%). Residents who received hospice care had more severe and complex clinical needs than those who did not. Findings suggest several possible barriers to hospice use in the LTCF population including ageism, rurality, and disease diagnoses. Immediate action is needed to provide improved access to, and utilization of, hospice care in LTCFs in Canada.
Discipline: Health Sciences

Title: Autonomy, vulnerability, and dementia: operationalizion of adult guardianship legislation in British Columbia
Contributors: Keya Russell (author), Dawn Hemingway (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Nancy Jokinen (Committee member), Melinda Allison (Committee member)
Abstract: This Master of Social Work practicum report addresses the area of British Columbia adult guardianship and planning statutes and the interpretation and operationalization of these statutes at various practicum locations (Northern Health Authority, British Columbia Centre for Elder Advocacy and Support, and Nidus Personal Planning Resource Centre and Registry) with respect to persons with dementia. The purpose of this practicum was to develop insight into the effectiveness of the adult guardianship and planning statutes in empowering persons with dementia by protecting their rights, promoting their self-determination, and preventing abuse, neglect, and/or self-neglect. The student integrates theory and practice throughout this practicum to explore this topic and, finally, proposes recommendations for social work policy and practice.
Discipline: Social Work

Title: Trauma-informed practice: overarching themes and patterns in becoming trauma-informed
Contributors: Kyle Poon (author), Linda O'Neill (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), John Sherry (Committee member), Aaron Bond (Committee member)
Abstract: Services can do undue harm to clients when there is a lack of understanding of the effects of trauma from various adverse life events on an individual’s functioning. A trauma-informed organization provides care, compassion, and respect toward clients and staff with the understanding that each individual may have experienced trauma in their lifetime. The goal of a trauma-informed organization is to meet clients who have lived through trauma where they are at in their healing journey and prevent re-traumatization. My project focused on elucidating the main themes that are pertinent for an organization to become trauma-informed. I utilized content analysis to examine five traumainformed organizations’ guidebooks from health, child-welfare, education, counselling, and community housing service sectors and created a trauma-informed guidebook. My guidebook outlines eight trauma-informed themes – safety, trust, collaboration, choice, culture, staff, listening, and resiliency – and examples of these themes in practice from the aforementioned service contexts.
Discipline: Education-Counselling