Welcome to the first Newsletter from the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI)

As we embark on an exciting chapter in William Osler Health System’s (Osler) rich history of health care innovation, we are launching a newsletter from the newly established Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation (ORIHI).

Established in 2013, Osler's Research Program has tripled in size reflecting its steadfast dedication to advancing health care and addressing the evolving needs of our growing community. Now, we have taken the next significant stride by transitioning our Research Program into ORIHI.

ORIHI will be the centre of our research activities, supporting Osler’s journey to becoming an Academic Health Centre and providing an elevated platform to share the impact of research and health care innovations.

Our research pillars are Population Health, Digital Health, and Health Systems. These will address the health needs of our diverse population, harness the power of technology, and optimize health care structures and processes.

Join us during Celebrate Research Week, November 18-22, 2024, as we come together and celebrate ORIHI and all things research at Osler!

In this newsletter you will find a series of research-related articles and information on Osler’s new Virtual Speaker Series where we will explore how our research work connects to the mission of the new research institute and answer any questions you may have.

Please share this newsletter with your friends and colleagues - together, we hope to make a lasting impact on the landscape of health care.

Tiziana Rivera,

Executive Vice-President, Quality, Research and Chief Nursing Executive

Adjunct Professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

Adjunct Professor, Humber College

Adjunct Lecturer, University of Toronto

Dr. Steven N. Liss,

Interim Scientific Director, Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation

Vice-President of Research and Innovation at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)

The Unique Role of the Osler Ethics Research Team

In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, ethical considerations play a crucial role in shaping policies, practices, and patient care. At the Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation, an exceptional team of ethicists is addressing some of these complex ethical dilemmas and driving positive change. The research, focused on quality improvement, allows important questions to be addressed while advancing the field of bioethics and boosting patient outcomes.

Engaging community hospitals in research

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a rapid escalation in global clinical research endeavors to discover effective treatments for the formidable new virus.1 However, in Canada, numerous hospitals grappling with a surge in COVID-19 cases found themselves unable to participate in clinical trials due to a lack of prior research experience. This challenge was particularly pronounced for large suburban community hospitals in Canada's major cities.

Read the full story in the OHA Health System News and join the virtual event on September 25 >>

Addressing Missed Opportunities for Opioid Agonist Therapy

Amidst an enduring crisis that has tragically taken the lives of thousands, Dr. Tina Hu, principal investigator of the recently published study titled Initiation of opioid agonist therapy after hospital visits for opioid poisonings in Ontario, sought to investigate the rates of administration of a life-saving treatment recommended by national guidelines. The findings were unsettling, revealing that, despite a rising death toll, only 1 in 18 individuals received essential treatment within a critical 7-day window.

Virtual Speaker Series

This speaker series leads up to Celebrate Research Week November 18-22, 2024 where we will celebrate the launch of the new Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation with a special event. Mark your calendars!

Preparation: Attendees are asked to prepare by reading the related articles in the ORIHI newsletter and sending your questions to: research@williamoslerhs.ca

Shaping Ethics in Health care

Date: May 22, 2024

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

With researchers: Dr. Paula Chidwick, Dr. Jill Oliver, Dr. Angel Petropanagos, Theresa Nitti, RPN

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from and engage with the Osler Ethics Research Team. Join us with your questions for the team.

Invitation (pdf) >>

Advancing Personalized Cancer Treatments Through Molecular Genetic Pathology

Date: June 26, 2024

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

With researcher: Dr. Brandon Sheffield

Join us with your questions in a conversation with Dr. Brandon Sheffield, we will look at the role of molecular genetics in personalized cancer treatments.

Invitation (pdf) >>

Engaging community hospitals in research

Date: September 25, 2024

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm

With researcher: Dr. Alexandra Binnie

In a fireside chat style talk, we will delve into the experience of the ICU research team during the COVID-19 pandemic and critical care research and its implications for patient care and outcomes.

Invitation (pdf) >>

Save the date!

Celebrate Research Week: Celebrate the official launch of ORIHI

November 18-22, 2024

Join us during Celebrate Research Week for a celebration of the launch of the new Osler Research Institute for Health Innovation.

To receive your invitation to celebration events and activities please sign up for our newsletter. If you are already signed up, stay tuned.

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