Meet researcher, Dr. Jill Hayden
Dr. Jill Hayden is a professor in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and lead of the Back Pain Evidence Synthesis and Translation Program (BACK Program) at Dalhousie University. She is the former director of the Nova Scotia site of Cochrane Canada and past provincial science lead for the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, which focuses on patient-oriented research.
With a clinical background in chiropractic, Dr. Hayden’s career bridges hands-on patient care and rigorous academic research. Before joining Dalhousie, she was a scientist at the Centre for Research Expertise in Improved Disability Outcomes (CREIDO) at the University Health Network in Toronto and held an assistant professorship in the Department of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto.
Dr. Hayden’s research expertise spans systematic review and meta-analysis methods, prognostic research, and musculoskeletal health—particularly low-back pain. Her work is dedicated to improving the quality and use of research evidence to support more effective healthcare decision making and better patient outcomes. She earned her PhD at the University of Toronto and her Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College.
Q: Can you describe your current research focus and its impact?
My research program is dedicated to advancing the understanding andmanagement of back pain, and it’s structured around two complementary arms. The first arm involves synthesizing evidence—conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses to evaluate the latest research on back pain—and translating these findings into actionable recommendations for clinicians and policymakers. By rigorously reviewing existing literature, my team identifies gaps in research and clinical practice, which then inform the direction of our new studies.
The second arm is primary research with patient populations in Nova Scotia. Much of this work began in emergency departments, where back pain is the third most common reason for patient visits. We discovered that emergency physicians, who are typically trained to manage acute injuries and illnesses, often lack specific training in treating chronic conditions like back pain. This insight, prompted by collaboration with emergency medicine leaders, revealed a significant gap in both research and clinical care internationally.
Our studies revealed that many patients receive unnecessary X-rays and opioid prescriptions, often contrary to best practice guidelines. This has led us to develop predictive models to help clinicians make better decisions about imaging and to study the long-term effects of opioid use initiated in emergency settings. We are also working on digital tools for primary care providers to support personalized exercise programs for chronic back pain patients, aiming to improve adherence and help those facing long wait times for physiotherapy.
Overall, my work integrates evidence and real-world data to drive better patient outcomes and healthcare decision-making in musculoskeletal health.
Q: What led you from clinical chiropractic practice to academic research?
My transition was shaped by a desire to address research gaps in the chiropractic profession. After completing my undergraduate studies at Dalhousie, I considered medical and dental school but ultimately connected with an evidence-based chiropractor in Halifax. This experience highlighted the need for more research in the field. I pursued clinical residency and then moved into biomedical research, completing my master’s and PhD. While I have the clinical background to understand practice challenges, my focus has always been on using evidence to improve healthcare decision-making.
Q: How has your experience at the University Health Network (UHN) and University of Toronto influenced your work?
During my master’s and PhD in Toronto, I worked at a public health rehab clinic affiliated with UHN. The mentors and colleagues I met there continue to influence my work today, especially in knowledge translation and implementation science. My training emphasized the importance of synthesizing evidence for decision-makers, and I was fortunate to work with leaders in the field. This foundation has shaped my approach to research at Dalhousie and beyond.
Q: How do you foster collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patients?
Collaboration is central to every project I undertake. I rely on a strong team that includes emergency physicians, clinicians, patients, and health administrators. Involving all stakeholders from the beginning is crucial for implementing evidence-based changes. We strive to engage everyone as team members, ensuring that research is relevant and applicable to real-world decision-making.
Q: What advice would you give to students or early career researchers interested in evidence synthesis and musculoskeletal health?
I encourage involvement in evidence synthesis, as it teaches critical evaluation of research and improves future research programs. Musculoskeletal health, especially back pain, is a challenging but important area, as it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. While it may not seem as exciting as other fields, it offers valuable opportunities to learn and make a meaningful impact.