Fuchsia Howard
Nursing
University of British Columbia
Canada
Biography
Fuchsia Howard’s research examines the health service needs of vulnerable, high-risk survivors of acute life-threatening illness, specifically, cancer survivors and survivors of critical illnesses. Her research examines patient-perspectives of the essential components of quality care. This work involves partnering with health care professionals, health care decision-makers and patients, to contribute to patient-centered health care solutions that are responsive to the long-term burden of illness. Her ultimate aim is to enhance the accessibility and quality of health services and improve patient and family outcomes. Her research interests also include hereditary cancer prevention and risk management and psychosocial and ethnocultural factors that shape health and illness experiences. Fuchsia’s research contributes to patient-centered health care solutions that are responsive to the long-term consequences of life-threatening illness treatments, specifically cancer care and intensive care. Adult survivors of childhood cancers have an astounding 80% cure rate, yet the majority will go on to suffer chronic and life-threatening health conditions. Similarly, 80% of critically ill patients treated in an intensive care unit for respiratory diseases and infections will survive. Yet, these survivors are frequently left with post-intensive care syndrome, a legacy of physical, neuropsychiatric and quality of life impairments and 30% to 50% are readmitted to hospital within a year. The tremendous cost of cure for both adult survivors of childhood cancer and adult critical illness necessitates lifelong care to prevent, treat and mitigate chronic health conditions. Ultimately, Fuchsia’s research informs health care solutions that complement existing cancer and critical care services to enhance accessibility, quality and patient outcomes. Her research interests also include hereditary cancer prevention and risk management and psychosocial and ethnocultural factors that shape health and illness experiences.
Research Interest
Nursing
