Internship Opportunity - MITACS Summer 2021 (2 of 2)

Mitacs Internship Opportunity for Summer Term 2021

Project Title: Exploring the Potential of Convalescent Plasma Therapy as a Potential Intervention in the Pandemic Response

Schedule: ~20 hours per week Salary: $10,000 for 16 weeks

Planned Start Date: May 1, 2021

Application Deadline: April 9, 2021

Project Overview

Convalescent plasma therapy is a transfusion treatment for treating and preventing infections, which has been studied during the COVID-19 pandemic in numerous randomized clinical trials (RCT). Convalescent plasma is typically the only treatment option available early on in outbreaks of novel pathogens, before more advanced treatments and vaccines are developed. However rapid deployment of the convalescent plasma is challenging due to complex logistical and operational issues involved in collecting, processing and delivering plasma to patients. Our research project aims to document the implementation of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) in the context of a pan-Canadian clinical trial, specifically its rollout in British Columbia, to study whether and how convalescent plasma therapy may be delivered most efficiently, effectively and equitable to patients during outbreaks of novel infectious agents in the future. The project will engage three Mitacs interns, who will work as a team during the summer term to investigate the following key components of the continuum of convalescent plasma delivery:

(1) Canadian Blood Services (CBS) – Collection, processing and distribution of convalescent plasma by Canadian Blood Services (CBS)

(2) Health Care Settings – The delivery of transfusion therapy in hospital and community settings

(3) Public Health – Pandemic planning by Public Health stakeholders for using convalescent plasma as a pandemic intervention.

The interns will conduct literature and document reviews, interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders and complete thematic analysis of the qualitative data to inform the development of a process map of the convalescent plasma delivery process in British Columbia. The team of interns will work together with research assistants and mentors who are experts in qualitative research, systems thinking, and transfusion medicine. The three positions will each focus on one key area within the continuum of convalescent plasma delivery.

Hospital and Community Health Care Settings – Transfusion of blood products usually takes place in the hospital setting, with a variety of complex logistics. However, clinical trials of COVID-19 convalescent plasma suggest that treatment earlier in the disease course and in vulnerable populations may be beneficial. We are recruiting one intern, who will document the delivery of convalescent plasma in the hospital setting and will also explore the future potential for convalescent plasma administration in community settings.

How to Apply – To be eligible, students must be enrolled in a full-time graduate program, preferably in health science or a health-related field. Post-doctoral fellows are also welcome to apply. Experience with qualitative research methods (interviews, focus groups, thematic analysis) is an asset. Please send a current CV and a cover letter highlighting how your past experience and/or future research or education plans are aligned with this project to Dr. Maya Gislason at maya_gislason@sfu.c