Research Programs

Description

Cancer

Program Leader:

David Urbach 

This program conducts policy-actionable research focusing on the delivery of cancer services. This research spans the continuum from screening (breast, cervix, colorectal) to palliation. Program scientists are heavily engaged in research activities that support the mission and initiatives of Cancer Care Ontario, including Ontario’s Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, the Cancer System Quality Index, and the provincial Surgical Oncology Program, to name a few.

Cardiovascular & Diagnostic Imaging

Program Leader:

Jack Tu 

This program is focused on a diverse set of projects aimed at measuring and improving the quality and effectiveness of cardiovascular (including stroke) care in Ontario. Major projects currently underway include initiatives focused on studying ST-segment myocardial infarction (STEMI), congestive heart failure in the emergency room, appropriateness of angioplasty procedures, management of transient ischemic attacks and strokes, and chronic disease risk factor management.

Chronic Disease & Pharmacotherapy

Program Leader:

Michael Paterson 

This program has two areas of focus. In the chronic disease area, program scientists track the epidemiology of diseases, such as diabetes, arthritis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, over time and across geographic areas and population subgroups. Within the drug portfolio, pharmaco­epidemiologic research methods are developed and used to examine real-world utilization and outcomes of a broad range of drug therapies. Program scientists also examine patterns and outcomes of chronic disease management strategies across Ontario.

Health System Planning & Evaluation

Program Leader:

Astrid Guttmann

This program brings together clinically trained health services researchers with scientists from the fields of statistics, economics, health care finance and policy analysis. Current research projects encompass a wide array of issues across health system performance and evaluation in Ontario. These include studies of pay for performance and public reporting initiatives; end-of-life health care spending; and the development of physician networks and integrated care initiatives. Program scientists investigate the quality of health care services across a number of sectors, including long-term care facilities, emergency departments, paediatric facilities and chronic care hospitals.

Kidney, Dialysis & Transplantation

Program Leader:

Amit Garg

This program aims to improve health and health care in Ontario, nationally and internationally by generating new knowledge across the spectrum―from preventing serious and progressive kidney disease, to the optimal delivery of dialysis and solid multi-organ donation and transplantation. Current research is linked across four themes: acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney donation and renal replacement therapy.

Primary Care & Population Health

Program Leader:

Rick Glazier 

This program conducts research on access to and effectiveness of primary health care and on population health. Current research includes performance of primary care reform models, use of electronic medical records for research and quality improvement, mental health and addictions, measuring population burden of illness, addressing causes of ill health, effectiveness of public health interventions, and injury prevention. This program hosts the Mental Health and Addictions theme group.