About the CERU

Research and Evaluation

Performance Measurement

Research Links

Jeffrey Farrell : A Motorcycle Accident Once his injuries sustained in an accident began to heal, Jeffrey needed someone to put him back on his feet. West Park became his second home where he made friendships with therapists who cared about him.

Clinical Evaluation & Research Unit

About the CERU

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West Park Healthcare Centre's Clinical Evaluation and Research Unit (CERU) opened in the summer of 1996 with a mandate to facilitate, promote and initiate research throughout the healthcare centre, with a particular emphasis on applied research into the therapies and services directly affecting West Park's patients, residents, families and caregivers.

The recent consolidation of our corporate performance and clinical utilization activities is allowing a stronger focus on research. Our involvement in external research has increased substantively and plans are underway to develop programs of research that will ensure our work continues to be relevant to those we serve.

These developments are the outcome of recommendations from an external review of the CERU in the Spring of 1999. The review confirmed our progress and suggested that we clearly delineate between the unit's administration and information functions, and research and evaluation activities.

In January 2000, the CERU created a sub-section called Performance Measurement that has paved the way for an expansion of our Research and Evaluation infrastructure.

The CERU's ultimate goals are:

• to contribute new knowledge that leads to improved outcomes for clients, patients and residents

• to provide information that leads to improved cost-effectiveness of West Park's services

To meet these goals, the CERU collaborates with the centre's units in evaluating services, coordinating data collection, encouraging wide participation in research, providing a foundation to support that participation, and enhancing West Park's research presence in the community.

Now, more than ever, the CERU is positioned to help West Park fulfill its commitment to patients and residents, and to achieve its vision as a leader in rehabilitation and community living, complex continuing care and long-term care.

For further information about the CERU, please contact Jan Walker at (416) 243-3600, extension 2626; fax (416) 243-0832; e-mail jwalker@westpark.org.