Research
The Knowledge Management Division at South East Health Unit supports public health and population-level clinical initiatives through collaborative applied research. The following are some recent and ongoing examples.
SPRITE
Syphilis Point-of-Care Rapid Testing and Immediate Treatment Evaluation
The Syphilis Point-of-Care Rapid Testing and Immediate Treatment Evaluation (SPRITE) Study is a collaborative research study between several Ontario public health units and Queen’s University. SPRITE uses a fast “test and treat” approach with point-of-care testing to help underserved people get tested and treated for syphilis right in their communities. The goal of SPRITE is to reduce the spread of syphilis by improving access to testing, supporting early treatment, and strengthening partnerships with community-based organizations.
Streamlining Immunization Strategies
Improving Efficiency and Effectiveness of ISPA Programming in Ontario PHUs
The Streamlining Immunization Strategies project was a collaboration between several public health units (PHUs) and Queen's University, led by South East Health Unit funded by Public Health Ontario’s Locally Developed Collaborative Project grant. The process evaluation explored how PHUs across Ontario implement the Immunization of School Pupils Act (ISPA), a critical but resource-intensive program. The study identifies key steps, common inefficiencies, and promising innovations, with a focus on streamlining processes and improving equity.
PrEP Implementation and Readiness Evaluation
The South Eeast Health Unit (formerly KFL&A Public Health), in collaboration with researchers from Queen’s University through a Endgame grant from The Ontario HIV Treatment Netowrk (OHTN), is evaluating both our local pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) clinic and the readiness of sexual health clinics across Ontario to adopt PrEP. Using the RE-AIM framework, we are identifying barriers and facilitators to PrEP adoption, mapping clinic processes, and gathering feedback from staff and clients. This work will inform strategies to improve access, strengthen clinic delivery, and support broader PrEP uptake in public health settings.