Developing a culture of research in Richmond
For more than 15 years, Richmond’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) has worked quietly behind the scenes to support clinical research and quality improvement within Richmond.
“Our goal this year is to raise awareness that Richmond is a place that supports and encourages the asking of important clinical questions,” said Mario McKenna, research facilitator, Vancouver Community & Richmond. “We are focused on developing a rich research culture that results in improved patient care, enhanced work environment, better use of health care resources, cost savings, recruitment and retention of health care professions.”
Raising the research profile in Richmond
Richmond’s new Research Strategy, completed last year, will provide a roadmap for the development of a robust research environment in Richmond over the next five years. RAC, as a committee focused on VCH’s True North goals, will:
- Set research direction and ensure actions are in alignment with VCH and Richmond strategic plans.
- Support key research interests by identifying and facilitating research ideas and projects.
- Oversee the provision of a wide range of research facilitation services.
- Create opportunities for research activities.
- Undertake an annual research review to determine if the Research Strategy is meeting its goals
Who’s who on RAC
RAC is co-chaired by Dr. Scott Garrison, Medical Director of Research, Richmond Hospital, and Dr. Brenda Wagner, Senior Medical Director, Richmond Hospital.
RAC’s membership includes Dr. Iqbal Ahmed, Jane de Lemos, Dr. Larry Frisch, Marcy Adler-Bock, Dr. Benji Heran, Shannon Long, Mario McKenna, Silvia Nobrega, Chris Salgado and Dr. Renee Talbot.
In her first year as RAC co-chair, Dr. Brenda Wagner hopes to raise awareness of research among the staff, encourage others to be involved, and build connections between researchers and operations.
“We are an expanding hospital with some practitioners who are working at the forefront of their health care fields,” said Dr. Wagner. “We have a lot to contribute to the healthcare knowledge base. We also do a lot of quality improvement work here, so CI research helps us refine the process of providing care.”
RAC & the annual Research Challenge
RAC is also closely involved with encouraging local teams to enter the annual Research Challenge. To find out more about the 2016 entry process, go to: http://www.vchri.ca/researchchallenge.
Submission deadline is Monday, February 15.
New RAC members always welcome
Committee membership is open to any interested staff member. All you really need is a passion for research, and a desire to contribute your expertise and enthusiasm to ensure Richmond’s research mandate is well known across the Community of Care.
The committee meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month for 90 minutes. If you’d like to join, please contact Marion Wardley (Marion.Wardley@vch.ca) who will add you to the contact list.
In next week’s VCH News, we’ll meet some past Research Challenge winners from Richmond, and learn about their projects.