Congratulations to Ashley who successfully defended her M.Sc. thesis, “Evaluation of an Exercise Program Delivered Prior to Hemodialysis.”
Ashley’s research was situated in community-based hemodialysis units in the Fraser Health region of British Columbia. Her study aimed to determine the effects of a pragmatically-designed 12-week exercise program delivered prior to hemodialysis on physical performance, mental health, and quality of life of hemodialysis patients. She also explored patient and staff experiences with the exercise program.
Her research drew on partnerships with nephrologists in Fraser Health and helped Fraser Health better understand how to support health of hemodialysis patients. Recently, Ashley was awarded a Planning Award from the BC SUPPORT Unit Fraser Centre to involve patients in improving the design of the exercise program and create an implementation plan to continue offering the program in Fraser Health.
Ashley’s committee members were Drs. Fabio Feldman (SFU BPK and Fraser Health Authority) and Trisha Parsons (Queens University, School of Rehabilitation Therapy). Her external examiner was Dr. Sharlene Greenwood (King’s College London).
Congratulations Ashley, and good luck with your future research.