Loiselle.Lab
Directed by Carmen G. Loiselle, RN, PhD, FCAHS, the Loisellelab has studied the cancer trajectory for over 20 years. Our research is focused on how innovative solutions, including digital health, can broaden accessibility of support for all individuals affected by cancer.
About us
The Loisellelab is a psychosocial oncology research lab based at McGill University’s Ingram School of Nursing and led by Dr. Carmen G. Loiselle. Through our research and passionate education, we are dedicated to understanding the cancer care trajectory and advancing the field of psychosocial oncology. We are most interested in identifying how innovative solutions, including digital health and AI, can broaden accessibility and help support all those who are affected by cancer. At the lab, we believe that Impactful science is born from collaboration, curiosity, and commitment.
Overcome Barriers in Cancer Care
Traditional face-to-face psychosocial interventions, though effective, often face challenges such as limited financial and staff resources, and patient barriers including symptoms like fatigue and pain. We are dedicated to developing solutions that address these constraints, making essential support more accessible to patients throughout their cancer treatment journey.
Research e-Health and m-Health Impact
We actively explore how digital health interventions—e-health and m-health—can be optimized to empower patients and enhance health-related outcomes. Our research includes investigating patient awareness of critical biopsychosocial oncology issues, such as the importance of bone density assessments in certain breast cancer treatments, which are essential for personalized care.
Innovate Web-Based Support Systems
Our team is at the forefront of pioneering web-based approaches that transcend traditional healthcare limitations. By leveraging technology, we create scalable solutions that ensure continuous and flexible support for cancer patients, focusing on overcoming the geographical, temporal, and physical barriers that often impede traditional care methods.
Our Research Projects
McGill's French Language Centre recently shifted to a Task-Based Learning approach for its professional-focused French courses. This project aims to evaluate student language learning efficacy and satisfaction following these changes, as well as the impact on retention of anglophone and allophone graduates in Quebec. Additionally, it explores the relation between Office québécois de la langue française (OQLF) workshop attendance and success rates in the OQLF exam.
Dialogue McGill focuses on improving access to health and social services for Quebec's English-speaking communities, with objectives including language training, program evaluation, knowledge translation, and enhancing professional recruitment and retention.
This project examines cancer team functioning during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, exploring multi-stakeholder perceptions and the association between team functioning and patient care experiences. Key attributes of optimal team functioning were identified, with findings soon to be published.
Documentary project by Carmen G. Loiselle and Hope & Cope that aimed to capture the complex experiences of young adults with advanced cancer, highlighting their unique challenges and growth. The film seeks to raise awareness and fundraise for supportive services, bringing their stories to a broader audience.
Descriptive mixed-method project to assess the views of individuals affected by cancer who are enrolled in Hope & Cope’s Cancer Wellness Centre programs. By exploring perceived benefits and challenges across different time points, we seek to optimize support services to better meet participants' needs.
Pilot project at the Segal Cancer Centre to investigate the physical and psychosocial needs of oncology patients newly diagnosed with COVID-19. Project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of remote support services in addressing patient needs, reducing distress, and measuring patient satisfaction. Insights gained will help inform and improve care quality for patients facing a dual cancer-COVID-19 diagnosis.
The ON-BOARD pilot trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal intervention designed to improve treatment adherence in cancer patients beginning oral chemotherapy. This randomized-controlled trial explores the preliminary effects of the intervention on patient outcomes, aiming to enhance support for those undergoing oral cancer treatment.
The pilot study aimed to determine the feasibility of a volunteer-based electronic distress screening and support system for newly diagnosed cancer patients. It assessed the system's usability and acceptability, the nature of distress-related requests, and whether distress scores changed after participating in the program.
Developed and tested an e-health platform to support women during breast cancer genetic testing. The platform was highly rated, and allowed users to follow screening recommendations, track appointments, and access personalized information on breast cancer risk and lifestyle impacts.
Dr. Loiselle’s lab joined Dr. Jacque Simard’s team at l’Université Laval in a Génome Québec-funded study to evaluate a website that educated women on genetic and lifestyle risk factors for breast cancer. The team assessed community perceptions and the acceptability of this information.
Past research focused on physician-patient communication, with less attention to the nurse-patient relationship and its impact on patients feeling “known” in healthcare. This study explored cancer patients' experience of “being known” in ambulatory care settings where nursing rounds had been implemented, highlighting the importance of nurse-patient communication.
Some women with breast cancer were at higher risk for bone fragility due to treatment. Hope & Cope and the Segal Cancer Centre led a program to promote bone health, resulting in a comprehensive toolkit for integrating bone health practices into breast cancer treatment across Quebec.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings, increasing caregiver (CG) involvement. This study adapted the Coping Together (CT) manuals for HSCT patients and CGs, exploring their perceptions and adaptation to enhance coping during the first 100 days post-HSCT at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Featured Publications
Moon, J., Monton, O., Smith, A., Demian, M., Sabboobeh, S., Garfinkle, R., Chamdroka, M., Brown, C., Chadi, S., Kennedy, E., Liberman, S., Savard, J., Vasilevsky, C. A., Fiore, J. F., Jr, Loiselle, C., Zelkowitz, P., Bhatnagar, S., & Boutros, M. (2025). The impact of an interactive online informational and peer support application (app) for patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) on quality of life: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Surgical endoscopy, 39(2), 1308–1317. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-024-11425-2
Attieh, S., Kilpatrick, K., Chênevert, D., Pomey, M. P., & Loiselle, C. G. (2024). Measuring Team Functioning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perspectives of Cancer Care Team Members. Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare, 17, 2623–2633. https://doi.org/10.2147/JMDH.S448985
Contact us
If you have questions about our research or would like to enquire about opportunities for collaboration, please reach out to us.
Our offices
680 Sherbrooke St West, room 1818, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2M7