Contributing to a better health care system
The Bruyère Research Institute develops high-quality, high-impact solutions to improve the health and health care of aging and frail Canadians. The institute is affiliated with Bruyère Continuing Care and the University of Ottawa. It provides research evidence through five Programs of Distinction or PODs. They are brain health, primary care, evidence, geriatrics and rehabilitation and health systems.
“At the Bruyère Research Institute, we do not see our aging population leading to a tsunami for the health care system,” explains Peter Walker, outgoing president and CEO. “We believe it’s more like a glacier, slow-moving and with a predictable trajectory.”
Bruyère’s research directly impacts improvements in care, not only for seniors but for patients of all ages and their family. The aim of Bruyère’s research is for patients to recover better, return to work sooner and live more productive, better quality lives.
This year, the Best Evidence Review Group (BERG) completed several reviews, providing evidence for Bruyère’s top clinical questions. Implementation of recommendations has already shown significant impact (e.g., reduced falls in three care settings at Bruyère).
The institute has 43 active investigators, 104 employees and 76 students. It is shining locally, nationally and even internationally. By establishing and reinforcing collaboration with other institutions, the institute is also building capacity and improving the quality of research.
Canadians are facing difficult health care predicaments: increasing health care costs, increasing demand and decreasing resources. The Bruyère Research Institute is ideally positioned to answer tough questions that will make a difference in tomorrow’s health care.