Our Research
Our Research Articles
Reducing Mental Health Stigma in Emergency Care
Mental illness stigma operates at multiple levels, from individual attitudes and behaviours to the policies, practices, and cultures that shape healthcare systems. This work outlines a comprehensive approach to understanding and reducing stigma in healthcare by examining both interpersonal and structural factors.
Through the EMBER (Exploring Mental Health Barriers in Emergency Rooms) study, researchers, healthcare providers, leaders, patients, and families work together to identify barriers, co-design solutions, and evaluate strategies that improve mental healthcare experiences and outcomes. A key feature of this approach is the active partnership of people with lived experience, ensuring that stigma-reduction efforts are meaningful, person-centred, and sustainable.
An Exploration of Mental Health-Related Stigma in Emergency Settings
This study explored how mental health-related stigma is experienced by patients, families, healthcare providers, and protective services staff in emergency departments. Findings identified structural barriers, including policies, resource limitations, care processes, and training gaps, as key drivers of stigma and inequitable care.
The research highlights the need for system-level solutions, such as enhanced staff education, trauma- and resilience-informed approaches, improved care environments, and stronger community supports. By centering the voices of those directly affected, the study offers practical recommendations for creating more compassionate, equitable, and person-centred emergency mental healthcare.
Implementing Trauma and Resiliency Informed Practice Education with Emergency Department Providers
Emergency department staff often work in high-stress environments where trauma exposure can affect both provider well-being and patient care. This study evaluated Trauma and Resiliency Informed Practice (TRIP) education for emergency department providers, focusing on stigma, self-compassion, and resilience.
The findings showed reduced mental health and substance use stigma, along with lasting improvements in self-compassion and resilience. Participants also reported greater confidence in using trauma-informed approaches, highlighting the value of supporting provider well-being to foster more compassionate, person-centred care.
In the Media
At the beginning of the project:
UCalgary study on mental-illness stigma in health care is first of its kind (November 2021)
Collaborating for change: How patients’ experience is shaping the future for mental health (December 2021)
More recent:
UCalgary nursing researchers develop trauma and resilience training for frontline workers in ERs (October 2025)
U of C researchers create trauma and resilience training program for front-line hospital staff (October 2025)