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 Centre for Addictionand Mental Health |
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Research
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Health Systems Research and Consulting UnitSection HeadContactGeetha Manohar (416) 535-8501 ext 4867 Research Objective Health services and population health research provides the information required by health care professionals and decision-makers to promote and implement positive changes in our health care system. Summary of ActivitiesThe Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit (HSRCU) plays an essential role in CAMH’s efforts to influence current reorganization and reform of health care for residents of Ontario who experience addictions and mental health challenges. The work of the research team is highly respected by government officials and policy makers, reflecting the value of the knowledge and advice provided by social scientists as well as health service researchers and other professionals. Recently the HSRCU has undertaken the Systems Enhancement Evaluation Initiative (SEEI). This is a major study funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to evaluate significant investments made by the provincial government over four years, beginning in 2004/2005, in key areas of the community mental health system. These include: crisis response; intensive case management; assertive community treatment; early intervention in psychosis; and services for individuals with mental illness who are in contact with the criminal justice system. The SEEI represents a broad collaboration of researchers throughout the province as well as stakeholders from many organizations. SEEI also has an important knowledge exchange function that increases stakeholder engagement in research and knowledge transfer activities through the development of a provincial Knowledge Exchange Network. Other studies take into consideration social factors, financing systems, government policies, health technologies as well as the personal beliefs and behaviours that affect health care. The research addresses pragmatic problems such as the delivery of health care services as well as tackling fundamental research questions in the science of human behaviour. Recent examples of research dedicated to improve care and enhance health include:
For over 20 years, the HSRCU has provided research and consulting services to health services, government, and private organizations. This work has included mental health system planning and policy development as well as operational reviews both of individual mental health organizations and systems of mental health supports and services. The approach to consulting work is research-based and explicitly attempts to apply the available research evidence of best/better practices to the problem at hand. The HSRCU convenes multidisciplinary teams of senior consultants to undertake such projects. Scientists and knowledge brokers have also developed considerable expertise in the area of knowledge transfer and exchange that is directly relevant to CAMH’s growing emphasis on transformative research to keep research staff in touch with front-line service delivery issues and problems. Service providers, decision-makers, consumers, and families are involved in the research process. Recent consulting projects that advance knowledge transfer and exchange include: planning for children’s and aboriginal mental health services; an operational review of hospital-sponsored mental health services; and a program evaluation of regional mobile crisis services. Visit Health Systems Research and Consulting Unit for more information.
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Last updated: May 16, 2008 1:33 PM Published: Nov 26, 2008 6:53 PM ID#P29356 |