In a remarkable display of unity and collaboration, UHN has marked the conclusion of Clinical Research Week with a series of in-person and virtual events across its various sites. This week-long celebration underscores UHN's commitment to integrating clinical research within the fabric of clinical care to advance healthcare for patients today, and tomorrow.
In a first, all UHN Clinical Research Units came together to host onsite events aimed at raising awareness and highlighting the importance of clinical research. At the heart of these gatherings were information booths, meticulously curated and led by the site Clinical Research Units, to provide patients and staff with invaluable insights into the world of clinical research. From demystifying the research process to helping individuals engage meaningfully with their health care journey, these booths served as a vital educational resource for all attendees.
Among the standout features of these events was the presence of the newly established UHN Clinical Research Unit teams. This year, the Toronto General, Toronto Western, and Toronto Rehab Clinical Research Units joined the PM Cancer Clinical Research Unit in the annual celebrations.
The teams were joined by the PiPER (Pride in Patient Engagement in Research) and Research Quality Integration teams (RQI). The PiPER team offered invaluable resources on fostering collaborations between patients as partners in research and research staff. RQI highlighted the resources available to support ongoing integrity and quality across the clinical research life cycle.
The week also saw a number of special talks, open to all of TeamUHN and external hospitals, providing outreach and opportunities to the communities we support.
At the centre of all of the activities and events was a heartfelt thank you to patients, their caregivers and families, research staff, and all members of TeamUHN for their support for Clinical Research at UHN. As Clinical Research Week draws to a close, the echoes of collaboration and innovation reverberate throughout UHN, serving as a poignant reminder of the institution's collective strength and determination to transform lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery, and learning.
Acknowledgements:
Clinical Research Executive Chairs: Amit Oza and Susan Fox
Clinical Research Planning and Implementation Committee: Louise Brisbois, Heather Cole, Jasmine Grant, Julie Gundry, Krystal Internicola, Anam Islam, Sarah May, Efa Pasieka, Susanna Sellmann, Kathie Zeman, and Jennifer Zuccaro
Special Guests: Cathy Craven and the PiPER Team
Piper Team staff: Erin Smith, Anisa Morava, Julie Vo
RQI staff: Heidy Morales, Monika Schmuck, Jason Shin
TRI staff: Suban Kangatharan, Vera Zivanovic, Tharshini Chandra
TWH staff: Tasnuva Hoque, Shoba Singh, Claudia Clementi
TGH staff: Sameera Rizvi
UHN marked the conclusion of Clinical Research Week with a series of events, both in-person and virtual, at various sites.