Baycrest Health Sciences & Baycrest Foundation Publications
Issue link: http://baycrest.uberflip.com/i/595635
Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied & Evaluative Research Unit Program Evaluation Unit Annual Report 04/01/14 – 03/31/15 Overview The best care based on the best evidence. IN THIS ISSUE: Strategic Highlights, pg 2 KLAERU Projects, pg 3 KLAERU Business Model, pg 8 PEU Project Highlights, pg 9 PEU Project Intake Process, pg 13 Spring at the Rotman Research Institute As the population ages, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions in the senior healthcare sector. These innovative solutions are driven by an integrated knowledge translation cycle, involving clinicians and patients at all steps of the research process. However, research shows that there currently exists a significant knowledge translation gap in the care of older adults and in hospitals, long-term care homes, and other institutions that are most applicable to this population. These challenges can include limited opportunities for researchers, clinicians, and patients to interact and identify common research interests and limited research capacity due to clinical responsibilities. As a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education, with a special focus on brain health and aging, Baycrest has strived to meet these challenges through the activities of two units: the Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied & Evaluative Research Unit (KLAERU), and the Program Evaluation Unit (PEU). KLAERU and the PEU accelerate the creation of wellness, prevention, and treatment approaches in aging by supporting applied and evaluative research focused on clinical outcomes, client and family experiences, and knowledge translation. In 2014, KLAERU and the PEU operated as separate but synergistic entities. At its core, KLAERU and the PEU increase capacity and add value to applied and evaluative research being conducted at Baycrest by leveraging expertise and resources, and facilitating inter- disciplinary collaborations among students, staff, volunteers, and professionals to advance research that improves client care. Further details on the activities of KLAERU and the PEU during the 2014 fiscal year are described in the forthcoming chapters.