What are the fundamentals of care in our patient population? What are the simple, complicated and complex questions that need to be addressed in complex chronic disease clinical practice? What works with whom and under what conditions? What are the best approaches in continuity of care with these patients?
This theme includes research on best practice in health services and clinical care for people with complex chronic disease. It will build upon key research questions that need to be addressed in quality and safety. A linkage is currently being formed with the Oxford Learning Collaboration on the Fundamentals of Care, the Oxford Health Experiences Institute (Green Templeton College) and the University of Oxford.
One of the initial activities for this research group will be The Bridgepoint Study – an in depth analysis of who our patients are, what their needs are, and what model of care is required for persons with complex chronic disease. In the process, we intend to improve data collection systems for complex chronic disease that will be useful for care facilities in Canada and worldwide. Examples of other projects include: patient flow; professional skill mix; health economics; decision tools in clinical care; mental health; excellence in patient assessment and discharge planning; rehabilitation in the context of complexity; palliative and end-of-life research; integrated care; infection control; and, nutrition.