About the CERU

Research and Evaluation

Performance Measurement

Research Links

Syd Collier : Entrepreneur, foundation donor and volunteer Syd lost his leg in a serious motorcycle accident. When he came to West Park, Syd was fitted with a prosthesis and, after therapy as a patient of our Amputee Rehabilitation Service, was back running his business, riding his bike and living life to the fullest again. He now supports West Park through an annual gift and has helped the foundation’s campaign efforts as a volunteer.

Clinical Evaluation & Research Unit

Research and Evaluation

A large part of CERU's work is in de-mystifying research and making it accessible. Our goal is that research at West Park be seen not as something for only a few highly trained people, but as a natural and logical extension of practice. Our infrastructure supports and encourages wide participation in research from both new and experienced investigators.

CERU's research and evaluation activities include:

• Managing an internal project fund to which centre researchers, particularly new researchers, can apply for research support

• Overseeing the Robert J. Harman Fund for new and innovative respirology projects

• Assisting investigators in making applications to external granting agencies

• Providing expertise and hands-on assistance in research design, data analysis, and the presentation and publication of results

• Hosting research education sessions covering both theoretical and practical topics

• Hosting research rounds at which investigators share information on completed and planned research

• Facilitating the work of research fellows

• Assisting staff and physicians in obtaining cross-appointments with academic institutions

• Supporting the work of the Research Ethics Committee (REC), a body responsible for ensuring all research conducted within, or by members of, the centre is ethically sound and meets national standards

• Publishing The Researcher, a newsletter with information about research and evaluation at West Park and about the CERU's activities

• Producing a biannual report to raise community awareness of West Park's research

• Supporting the work of the Scientific Advisory Committee, a body responsible for assisting West Park in developing and maintaining programs of research

• Managing an ongoing and expanding computerized inventory of centre research, presentation and publications

• Evaluating and monitoring other centre initiatives

It is our goal that the many projects supported by the CERU will ultimately lead to improved outcomes for West Park's patients and residents. In addition, we anticipate that the continued expansion of research at West Park will contribute significantly to our broader vision of being a leader in rehabilitation and community living, complex continuing care and long-term care, and to becoming a recognized research presence in the community.