2024 Research Projects
What is it?
This project bridges researchers tackling health-care challenges with innovators proposing technological solutions, all driven by a shared goal of enhancing patient care.
Why does it matter?
The program will introduce a suite of mechanisms to inspire and support researchers striving for entrepreneurship and commercialization. These resources will open new pathways for solving health-related challenges, accelerating the translation of research from the lab to reach patients’ bedsides more swiftly.
How does it work?
Teams will propose health-related challenges and corresponding technological solutions in a pitch competition judged by industry leaders, investors and McMaster University alumni. Winners will secure pre-seed funding and gain access to business development and mentorship sessions.
Who’s doing it?
The initiative is part of the McMaster Entrepreneurship Academy and under the leadership of Leyla Soleymani, associate vice-president research (commercialization and entrepreneurship) at McMaster University.
What is it?
A consortium of clinical researchers across Canada will be conducting a first-in-human clinical trial that will test a new cancer therapy for myeloma.
Why does it matter?
Myeloma is a blood cancer that develops in bone marrow. Despite advancements in cancer treatments, such as stem cell transplants and new classes of drugs, myeloma is largely incurable. New therapies are needed to improve patient outcomes. Therapies that are crafted from immune cells are a promising form of treatment with the potential to cure the disease.
How does it work?
Patients in the trial will receive special T cells (a type of white blood cell) that have been altered through a T cell antigen coupler (TAC) receptor. The TAC receptor is a McMaster University innovation that allows physicians to reprogram patients’ own immune cells to attack cancer cells.
The goals of the study are to:
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Develop a cost-effective, low-toxicity cell therapy for patients with myeloma.
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Establish a research process where the testing of emerging cell therapies can be translated into new treatments for patients.
In addition to the funding support from the Juravinski Research Institute, this trial is supported financially by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Cancer Trials Group and the Samuel Family Foundation. Additional in-kind support is provided by the institutional partners.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Jonathan Bramson, PhD, vice dean, research for the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University; Dr. Annette Hay, senior investigator at the Canadian Cancer Trials Group; Dr. Jean-Sébastien Delisle, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at the Université de Montréal; Dr. Richard Leblanc, clinical associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Université de Montréal; and Jennifer Quizi, PhD, director of the Biotherapeutics Manufacturing Centre – Virus Manufacturing Facility at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute.
What is it?
Pregnancy-care providers (obstetricians, midwives, family physicians), mental-health clinicians, perinatal epidemiologists and public health experts are engaging people and families that have experienced severe maternal morbidity to understand which populations are most affected, determine long-term health implications and identify supports needed for care.
The team aims to reduce severe maternal morbidity in Hamilton, improve long-term physical and mental health, and promote the overall health of families. Once completed, this project could be scaled to benefit communities beyond Hamilton. Learn more at serenestudy.ca.
Why does it matter?
Severe maternal morbidity refers to unexpected outcomes related to pregnancy, labour, childbirth and the postpartum period resulting in severe illness, prolonged hospitalization and long-term disability.
It affects 16 out of every 1,000 pregnancies in Canada. In the Hamilton region, this number is estimated to be at least twice as high. There is insufficient information on why these numbers are higher in Hamilton.
How does it work?
There are three pillars to this project:
- Examining population-based data, such as demographics, outpatient visits, hospital admissions and birth registries, to better understand the types of severe maternal morbidity, its implications and those at increased risk.
- Conducting detailed, respectful, confidential enquiries into each case of severe maternal morbidity, with the aim of identifying root causes and implementing solutions.
- Engaging with families and their pregnancy-care providers through surveys, interviews and focus groups to determine what is needed in the postpartum period to support physical and mental health, and improve recovery, rehabilitation and re-integration into society.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Giulia Muraca, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact at McMaster University; Benicio Frey, MD, PhD professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University; Rohan D’Souza, MD, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University; Sheryl Green, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University; and Susan Jack, PhD, professor in the School of Nursing at McMaster University.
What is it?
Researchers will be developing a virtual-care software platform designed to work with any patient remote-monitoring devices, such as vital signs equipment, tablets and phones. Data stored in the platform will be easily accessible for research purposes, with the flexibility to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
Why does it matter?
At times, patients do not receive adequate support between leaving the hospital/clinic and returning home. This leads to emergency department visits and hospital admissions, placing additional strain on an already overburdened health-care system.
Establishing stronger connections between hospitals and homes to support patients could significantly alleviate these ongoing challenges. Virtual care (connecting the health-care team with the patient using communication or information technology) and remote monitoring (devices capable of measuring vital signs like blood pressure, pulse and weight) have the potential to bridge these gaps in care.
Developing a flexible virtual-care platform will accelerate research, facilitate smoother integration with electronic health records and provide greater control over data collection.
How does it work?
Clinical researchers and data scientists with expertise in AI will co-design the platform by conducting interviews and focus groups to determine needs and how users will interact with the platform.
The team will continuously refine the platform throughout the process – from blueprints to a pilot software.
Several patient groups will participate in this research, including patients with cancer, heart disease, lung disease, seniors and those undergoing surgery.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Michael McGillion, RN, PhD, assistant dean, research, in the School of Nursing at McMaster University, scientist at the Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), and director of the Improving Perioperative and canceR Outcomes Through Excellence and appliCation of Virtual Technologies (PROTECT) lab at Hamilton Health Sciences’ Juravinski Cancer Centre; Dr. Mark Levine, professor emeritus in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University and co-director of PROTECT at Hamilton Health Sciences; Jeremy Petch, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University and director of the CentRE for dAta science and digiTal hEalth (CREATE) at Hamilton Health Sciences; Dr. Natya Raghavan, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at McMaster University, head of service of Respiratory Rehabilitation at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and site lead for respirology at Hamilton Health Sciences’ Hamilton General Hospital; Dr. Rahima Nenshi, associate professor in the Department of Surgery at McMaster and general surgery at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and Dr. PJ Devereaux, director of the division of perioperative care, McMaster University, associate deputy director of PHRI and co-director of PROTECT.
2023 Research Projects
What is it?
The Centre for Integrated and Advanced Medical Imaging (CIAMI), a partnership between Mohawk College and McMaster University, is a new facility for imaging research, educational training and increased magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) access for patient care.
Why does it matter?
CIAMI will be a site for continuing research, with access to technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enable cutting-edge discoveries. The site brings technology and health care together in Hamilton to propel advancements in imaging research.
CIAMI also enables a new model of training with a living lab for interdisciplinary teams to provide education, taking pressure off hospitals for clinical placements while expediting capability to graduate MRI technicians into the system.
How does it work?
Located at the Mohawk-McMaster Institute of Applied Health Sciences building on McMaster’s main campus, the facility includes a state-of-the-art MRI unit, the second of its kind in Canada. CIAMI provides a space where research, education and clinical care intersect through collaborative and unique models of care and approaches to training that haven’t been done before in Ontario.
In addition to the education and research components, CIAMI’s MRI suite for patient care will be operated by Hamilton Health Sciences and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Sonia Anand, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at McMaster University, and Michael Noseworthy, a professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the McMaster School of Biomedical Engineering, and director of Medical Imaging Physics and Engineering at the Imaging Research Centre at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
What is it?
This project will unite, for the first time ever, Hamilton’s child health researchers, clinicians, patients, families and community organizations to achieve a common goal – improve health outcomes for children across the city and surrounding region through access to better care and services.
Why does it matter?
Major differences in health exist depending where in the city of Hamilton one lives. Social disadvantage and health inequities can have major impacts on children’s physical and mental health, but the underlying factors are not well understood. By leveraging the city’s collective expertise to create partnerships and infrastructure, researchers, families and community partners can begin to understand and collaboratively address these factors and improve health trajectories among children in Hamilton.
How does it work?
This project is divided into two aims. The first focuses on the creation and delivery of a comprehensive survey that will be administered to families receiving care at McMaster Children’s Hospital, as well as families in the Hamilton community, to explore factors that impact child health and functioning. Within the community, this work will build on important partnerships established through the SCORE! study, another project supported by the Juravinski Research Institute that is enhancing health equity in an east Hamilton neighbourhood. Using the data collected, the team will work with families and community partners to co-develop interventions and services to improve overall health.
The second aim focuses on building foundational pillars that will support this project and future collaborative child health research in Hamilton. The pillars will enable 1) meaningful patient and family engagement in research through training and support; 2) sustainable academic and community partnerships; and 3) an informatics platform to allow collection of data and use of that data to improve health services.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Dr. Katherine Morrison, professor and associate chair of research in the Department of Pediatrics and co-director of the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research at McMaster University; Dr. Rohan D’Souza, associate professor in the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact at McMaster University; Stelios Georgiades, PhD, associate professor and director of the Offord Centre for Child Studies at McMaster University, and founder and co-director of the McMaster Autism Research Team; Dr. Olaf Kraus de Camargo, associate professor, co-director of CanChild at McMaster University and developmental pediatrician at Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre; and Dr. Gita Wahi, associate professor, member of the Chanchlani Research Centre and the Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research at McMaster University and co-lead of the SCORE! study.
Video update
What is it?
Integrated care is about connecting care delivery and communication so people receive seamless and effective care that aligns with their goals, while maintaining a sustainable health-care system. The research team aims to understand and test the potential for integrated health and social care models for people living and working in Hamilton’s subsidized residential care facilities, which are communal settings for adults needing assistance or accommodation for activities of daily life.
Why does it matter?
Integrated care is most important to persons with complex or chronic care needs, especially those facing social and economic disadvantage. Individuals living in residential care facilities represent some of Hamilton’s most vulnerable groups, who often do not have equitable access to health and social care. Without an integrated care model in place, many residents rely on emergency and hospital care without access to consistent primary and social care providers. Neither the city who oversees residential care facilities nor the health system that cares for its residents have reliable data on this population, which contributes to their invisibility. In an equitable society, every person has a fair opportunity to lead a healthy and dignified life.
How does it work?
Researchers are partnering with the Greater Hamilton Health Network’s Residential Care Facility Steering Committee to investigate the health status of residents and conduct interviews, focus groups and surveys with residents, family members, staff and service providers to learn about their needs and priorities. The data will be compared with other populations to inform the design, implementation and evaluation of a potential integrated primary care model in residential care facilities.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Chi-Ling Joanna Sinn, PhD, a research fellow at St. Joseph’s Health System’s Centre for Integrated Care and postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence & Impact at McMaster University; Anthea Innes, PhD, director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, the Gilbrea Chair in Aging and Mental Health, and a professor in the Department of Health, Aging & Society at McMaster University; and Andrew Costa, PhD, the Schlegel Research Chair in Clinical Epidemiology & Aging, an associate professor in the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact at McMaster University and the research director for St. Joseph’s Health System’s Centre for Integrated Care.
A key partner in this initiative is the Greater Hamilton Health Network’s Residential Care Facility Steering Committee, a 30+ member committee with representation across health, social and housing partners committed to improving health outcomes of individuals living in residential care facilities.
Video update
2022 Research Projects
What is it?
The burn research program seeks to understand the effects of a burn injury to improve patient care, find possible new treatments and restore patients’ quality of life and mental health. The team also studies the impact of extreme ages, such as pediatric patients and seniors, to understand more about wound healing and long-term outcomes. While research focuses on burn patients, the findings are widely applicable to trauma patients and patients with chronic wounds.
Why does it matter?
Burn injuries can often lead to long-term physical and psychological health challenges. Pain, scarring, impaired muscle function and post-traumatic stress disorder are just some of the devastating symptoms faced by burn survivors. Patients with significant burn injuries also tend to have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to chronic conditions like cancer, gastrointestinal disease and diabetes.
How does it work?
The team is focused on several priority projects. This includes reducing the occurrence of hypermetabolism (when the body uses more energy at a faster rate than normal) in burn survivors by examining lipid and glucose levels in fat tissue.
Another project is centred on regenerative medicine. The team has created and patented a 3D handheld device to print skin and is developing engineered skin grafts derived from stem cells.
Lastly, they are researching how to decrease mortality rates for older patients by understanding why seniors respond abnormally to burns.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Marc Jeschke, vice president, research and medical director, burns at Hamilton Health Sciences and a professor of surgery at McMaster University.
Video update
What is it?
The Riverdale neighbourhood in east Hamilton is home to a high number of immigrant children suffering from obesity and early-onset type 2 diabetes. Using a “connecting-to-nature” approach, the research team seeks to nurture a love of the outdoors, gardening and hiking among new immigrant families and explore healthy active living strategies to prevent these chronic diseases. Learn more here.
Why does it matter?
The dietary and physical activity adaptations among new immigrants to Canada, especially among those in low-income settings, often follow a pattern that has harmful long-term health effects. Interventions that enable newcomer families to optimize the health trajectories of their children can reduce negative long-term health outcomes and promote optimal mental health and well-being, community integration and success at school.
How does it work?
Using a health equity lens, the project aims to develop and implement a program through which children of newcomer families grow, thrive and reach optimal health. The first two years of the project will focus on understanding community needs, barriers and potential solutions. Future phases will focus on evaluating interventions and developing a toolkit.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Sonia Anand, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at McMaster University.
Video update
2021 Research Projects
What is it?
Building upon the results of a previous study, the PVCRAM-2 trial is a randomized trial looking at whether managing surgical patients after discharge by using virtual care with remote automated monitoring (RAM) prevents the need for patients to come back to the emergency room or be re-admitted to the hospital compared to normal follow-up after hospital discharge without virtual care and RAM. RAM refers to the use of technology to remotely monitor patients’ biophysical parameters (e.g., blood pressure, temperature).
Why does it matter?
In a recent major study, 25 per cent of patients required acute-hospital care (i.e., hospital readmission or emergency department visit) within 30 days after discharge home following major surgery. Promising data suggests that virtual care with RAM will reduce the need for patients to return to hospital after undergoing major surgery.
How does it work?
Patients being discharged home after major surgery will be randomized to virtual care with RAM or standard follow-up care. The RAM technology will measure six factors: blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, temperature and weight. These will be monitored by nurses virtually who will have scheduled video visits with the patient and will escalate care to a physician when necessary.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Dr. PJ Devereaux, director of Division of Perioperative Care, Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University and Michael McGillion, PhD, assistant dean, research, School of Nursing, McMaster University.
Video update
What is it?
A multidisciplinary virtual model of care for lower extremity wounds for Hamilton patients that is sustainable, effective and cost efficient.
Why does it matter?
Chronic lower extremity wounds pose significant challenges for patients and the health care system, including the management of chronic conditions such as renal (kidney) failure and surgical interventions. It is imperative that evidence-based, clinical-based practices are implemented to provide organization and community-wide support for this vulnerable patient population.
How does it work?
This model will leverage virtual care platforms to increase access for patients and minimize hospital visits. Ongoing follow up of patients’ wounds can be performed with a mobile application that takes photos and processes them to allow care providers to monitor progress. A nurse coordinator would provide the initial virtual visit, testing and patient education. Subsequent specialist visits would be arranged according to the patients’ care needs. The types of wound dressings used would be in a gradual fashion to promote healing while balancing costs. Within this virtual wound care service, the questions of patient registration, attendance, and participation until wound healing, wound healing times and adherence to recommendations will be assessed.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Dr. Fadi Elias, assistant professor of vascular surgery, Hamilton Health Sciences and McMaster University.
What is it?
This project provides a first-to-market application of outpatient urgent medical care and the first provincial model of regional urgent medical care. It aims to use digital health applications to aid with the remote triage of patients, evenly distribute them across the urgent care spectrum, move their data automatically into the in-person emergency department chart and allow appropriate patients to begin their emergency department wait at home. Additional goals include establishing a centre of excellence in virtual care at St. Joseph’s and answering some pressing questions surrounding the delivery of virtual care.
Why does it matter?
Without a doubt, the proliferation, adoption and integration of virtual care has been the single largest health system transformation that has resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic. This digital health application has the potential to revolutionize both remote and in-person triage, leading to reduced human health resource demands, expedited triage, explicit direction to patients based on health care needs and could offset demand across the city, thereby decreasing emergency room wait times.
How does it work?
The mobile application is integrated with the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) which allows patients to register for care from home. The project is seeking a solution that would direct emergent cases to the Emergency Department (ED) immediately for care with pre-registration. For lower acuity patients, they could wait for care at home and be directed to the ED for triage when the ED team is ready. This would be integrated to also triage patients suitable for virtual visits vs. in-person visits.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Dr. Shawn Mondoux, quality and safety lead in the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, McMaster University.
Video update
What is it?
A special infrared (IR) camera system will be created using machine learning (also known as artificial intelligence) to monitor vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, breathing rate and blood oxygen level. This system will be used to detect changes in vital signs and alert health care providers when a patient may need rapid medical attention.
Why does it matter?
This research could revolutionize how vital signs are detected. Touchless patient assessments would be more comfortable and convenient, reduce the risk of spreading infection and make it easier to monitor patients remotely. Further, health outcomes could be improved through earlier detection of patients with worsening vital signs.
How does it work?
A computer model that determines vital signs based on IR camera data will be developed using vital sign measurements we receive from patients with various face shapes, skin tones, sexes and health statuses. Once an accurate system is developed, it will be tested in a clinical study that will compare it to early warning scores (EWS) already being used to alert rapid response teams (RRTs). Since the camera-based intervention will obtain vital signs more readily than traditional methods and use artificial intelligence to detect change, it is believed to result in patients getting earlier medical attention and having better outcomes.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Dr. Dan Perri, an associate professor of Medicine at McMaster University, and the chief medical information officer and a critical care physician at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Video update
What is it?
A study examining new methods of delivering at-home, remote care with the goal of improving health and preventing frequent hospital admissions for patients with chronic disease. The research team will develop and test a method of assessing blood markers at home to help guide both patients and the health care team to deliver tailored interventions.
Why does it matter?
Some individuals living with chronic disease need close monitoring and are at high risk for admissions to hospital. The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced access to care and reduced the frequency of in-person visits with health care providers. This has changed the way that health care is delivered and has created a shift toward more remote, at-home care.
How does it work?
A large, multidisciplinary study team, including members from physiotherapy, psychology, biochemistry, engineering, respirology and nephrology, will focus on patients living with chronic kidney or lung disease. They will test if using technology to closely monitor patients at home and deliver enhanced virtual care, such as physiotherapy and counseling, will improve measures of health and reduce hospital visits or admissions.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Dr. Amber Molnar, nephrologist and Dr. Ciaran Scallan, respirologist, both of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Video update
2020 Research Projects
What is it?
A three-month study in 500 individuals that will help assess the success, impact and practicality of a saliva-based COVID-19 test as an alternative to the conventional “swab up the nose,” or nasopharyngeal, test.
Why does it matter?
World-wide, COVID-19 testing has focused on symptomatic individuals and has been plagued by shortages of testing kits and materials as well as a lack of capacity in clinical testing facilities. However, asymptomatic individuals account for 40-45 per cent of COVID-19 infections and are responsible for about half of all transmissions.
As well, conventional nasopharyngeal swabs are unpleasant for the test subject and require trained medical professionals, while saliva testing can be done at home.
Saliva-based testing eliminates many of the problems of nasopharyngeal tests, including hard-to-source swabs and sample storage challenges, and can be administered at a fraction of the cost of conventional testing.
How does it work?
The test subject drools into a tube that is then capped, which provides a stable sample for lab testing. For this study, volunteer subjects will include staff and trainees from McMaster research laboratories as well as staff from a nearby community retirement home. This population will be tested three times a week using saliva-based testing. The study will examine the speed, cost and accuracy of the test, as well as the possibility of modifying the test to become something subjects can do at home.
Who’s doing it?
The principal investigators are Dawn Bowdish, pathology and molecular medicine, and Eric Brown, director, Biomedical Discovery and Commercialization Program, both of McMaster University.
Video update
What is it?
An ongoing study that is working to build resilience in vulnerable seniors through at-home rehabilitation services, including exercise, nutrition, socialization and support with medication.
Why does it matter?
Many health-care professionals are concerned that vulnerable seniors may lose physical conditioning due to COVID-19 restrictions, which could substantially increase the risk of health complications and the need for hospitalization. At-home rehabilitation services could help mitigate the effect of the pandemic on frail seniors.
How does it work?
Previously, seniors participating in the study had to provide the technology (such as an iPad) to participate in virtual sessions, including exercise classes. Now, researchers will provide seniors who have fewer economic resources with iPads so they can participate in the study’s activities.
The study will also be expanding their physiotherapist engagement, as well as monitoring subjects using accelerometers to assess their physical activity, sleep time, energy expenditure and heart rate.
Who’s doing it?
Alexandra Papaionnou, professor of medicine, director of the GERAS Centre for Aging Research and Geriatrician at Hamilton Health Sciences, is the principal investigator.
Video update
What is it?
A study of the risk factors in COVID-19 outbreaks and spread in Ontario’s retirement homes, building on previous work with the province’s nursing homes.
Why does it matter?
After nursing homes, Ontario’s retirement homes have been hardest hit by COVID-19 outbreaks, with just over 26 per cent experiencing outbreaks that have accounted for close to 1,000 cases and 214 deaths. A key unanswered question as facilities prepare for subsequent waves of the virus is how to most effectively reduce the risk of outbreak, as well as contain virus spread to keep at-risk residents safe.
How does it work?
Using data from the integrated Public Health Information System, the Ontario Laboratory Information System, and a database maintained by the Ontario Chief Coroner’s Office, as well as other sources, the study will develop population-level data models on the risk of COVID-19 outbreak and infection spread at retirement homes, and use that to create risk-assessment tools for public health units and retirement home operators.
Who’s doing it?
Andrew Costa, research director of St. Joseph’s Healthcare Centre for Integrated Care and Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging, McMaster University, is the primary investigator.
Video update
What is it?
A short-term study that will determine whether N95 respirators or medical masks are the best option for health-care providers caring for COVID-19 patients. N95 respirators are designed to protect the wearer from inhaling small airborne particles, while medical masks prevent facial contact with large droplets. Medical masks are less expensive and more readily available.
Why does it matter?
This study is of critical value in informing the use of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. There is serious concern about a shortage of N95 respirators because of COVID-19. There’s also concern that compliance with using N95 respirators could decrease over time because they have been associated with headaches and discomfort.
Leading health organizations disagree on which option is best, with the World Health Organization and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommending medical masks for the routine care of patients with COVID-19. They recommend N95 respirators for aerosol generating procedures only.
How does it work?
In the multi-centre randomized controlled trial, nurses will be randomized to either use a medical mask or N95 respirator when providing care for patients with fever and respiratory illness.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Mark Loeb, Michael G. DeGroote Chair in Infectious Diseases; Professor, Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University.
Video update
Impact of a pandemic on hospital emergency departments, critical and intensive care units, and staff
What is it?
A three-part study cataloguing the activity of Hamilton Health Sciences Emergency Departments (EDs) for the duration of the pandemic. Insights from data will inform ED staffing and prediction of infection spread among health-care workers, and will help to better identify risks to health-care workers. As well, it will lead to better staff protection and patient care in hospitals, and will inform future hospital pandemic planning on a national level.
Why does it matter?
There is a dearth of health-care research focused on pandemics, in part because of the logistical challenges faced by operationalizing such research. Given the potential for exponential growth in population infection, there are concerns that hospital systems will become saturated with critically ill patients, meaning that health care will be rationed, impacting not only those with COVID-19 but also patients who present to hospital with unrelated life-threatening health conditions.
How does it work?
There are three parts to this study:
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A registry to inform the Hamilton Health Sciences ED staff and senior leadership about patient activity during the pandemic, and a report of the frequency of COVID-19 infection and quarantine among the staff — to provide information about the local impact of the pandemic on both patient care and ED operations.
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A medical-records review detailing the clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with COVID-19, who are managed in the ED, to contribute to a national program of research by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.
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A national study on the effects of the pandemic on emergency physician work patterns, work challenges and health (both physical and mental health).
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Dr. Kerstin de Wit, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, Hamilton Health Sciences.
Video update
What is it?
A way to automate and ultimately speed up diagnostic testing protocols for SARS-CoV-2, the viral pathogen responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, by using robotics. The screening process not only tests for coronaviruses, but simultaneously for a series of respiratory pathogens such as influenza A and B.
Why does it matter?
The team of researchers quickly mobilized in the early days of the pandemic to become among the first to develop this test. Since mid-March, clinical labs have used the test, allowing for the identification of infected individuals much sooner, enabling appropriate quarantine procedures to be put in place in an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
How does it work?
The research team designed multiple assays to detect the emerging viral pathogen, then provided them to the clinical laboratory for integration into a multiplex Pathogen Panel that allows simultaneous testing with the eight other common tests in their viral respiratory pathogen panel, and validated it with real specimens.
Next steps include acquiring robotics technology to rapidly test high volumes of samples, addressing the worldwide shortage of transportation for swabs and specimens, and implementing a test that can look at multiple targets within the virus.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Dr. Marek Smieja, Chief, Hamilton Regional Laboratory Medicine Program; Head Section of Virology; and Dr. David Bulir, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Video update
What is it?
The CLSA is Canada’s first comprehensive, population-based, and sustainably funded research platform, an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of 50,000 people ages 45 to 85.
Its COVID-19 platform will provide researchers with rapid access to a vast amount of high-quality biological, health, economic, environmental or psychosocial data, to address urgent health questions and to meet current and future health-care needs.
Why does it matter?
Researchers can use the CLSA’s rich data to assess which factors appear to protect against or increase the risk of developing symptoms.
The data will offer insights that lead to better prevention and management of the pandemic, as well as the development of public-health programs and research into the mental-health and long-term consequences of the pandemic as people age.
How does it work?
The CLSA’s COVID-19 platform will collect weekly and monthly data from its participants to gain a comprehensive picture of the spread and effect of the pandemic.
As well, existing CLSA data offers unique opportunities to understand why some individuals develop severe disease while others remain asymptomatic despite being infected by the virus, which will lead to better prevention and management strategies.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Parminder Raina (Scientific director, McMaster Institute for Research on Aging) and Mark Loeb, (McMaster), Cynthia Balion (HHSC & St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton), Marek Smieja (HRLMP), Lauren Griffith, Laura Anderson, and Dawn Bowdish.
Video update
What is it?
A biobank is a type of repository for storing human biological samples — an important resource in medical research.
Why does it matter?
There needs to be a pathway for collecting samples during the COVID-19 crisis in Hamilton.
How does it work?
Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS) has one of the largest biobanks in the country. HHS and other local cohorts will work together to accumulate and store samples for patients exposed or infected with COVID-19 in Hamilton for use in various studies by a variety of researchers across the three institutions.
Video update
What is it?
The Hamilton Emerging Adult Life Transitions and Health Investigation (Project HEALTH-I) is a three-year study examining the impact of substance use on the brain development of young adults, ages 18 – 25.
Why does it matter?
This is the stage where young people are often leaving home for the first time, developing independence and laying the foundation for adulthood, and it’s also the age range where rates of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use are highest. While many will mature out of such risky behaviours, others develop persistent, chronic problems. What remains largely unknown is how to predict these widely different pathways.
How does it work?
Scientists at Hamilton Health Sciences, McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton will pursue answers through this longitudinal observational cohort study that integrates brain imaging, behavioral science, clinical psychiatry, metabolomics, and genomics to understand healthy and unhealthy trajectories in this age group.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is James MacKillop, PhD, Director, Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research, McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton; Director, Michael DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research; McMaster University, St. Joseph Healthcare Hamilton.
Video update
What is it?
Developing technology that can confirm the presence of a brain anomaly following mild traumatic brain injury, to identify the injury location and predict and track a patient’s recovery.
Why does it matter?
Each year, millions of people globally are affected by mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), an often-devastating condition which can contribute to ongoing disability and negatively affect cognitive function, including a host of long-term problems such as learning difficulties, impaired memory, headaches and behavioural problems.
Although patients suffering from mTBI are typically subject to a series of neurological and neuropsychological testing, clinicians often have difficulty accurately predicting which patients will experience these long-term problems.
How does it work?
Researchers will use Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) methods, examining the genetic factors associated with recovery from mTBI, and by looking at the clinical testing tools used to assess those with mTBI.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigator is Dr. Michael Noseworthy, Imaging Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton.
Video update
What is it?
The Child and Youth Mental Health Program aims to implement a smarter healthcare system, in which AI technologies guide and support treatment decisions, using data captured through patient-reported information, electronic health records and other sources of data. It offers great promise in the field of mental health, with machine learning algorithms able to provide potential diagnoses, options for treatment, risk assessment and other supports for clinical decision making.
Why does it matter?
Mental health problems are the leading cause of disability in young people. As demands on mental health services continue to increase, and as the amount of available healthcare data dramatically expands, service providers must find ways to optimize how they assess patients and develop treatments.
How does it work?
Technologies such as smartphones, home devices like Amazon’s Echo or Google Home, and fitness wearables such as FitBit now allow researchers to collect vast amounts of data relevant to mental health. The system will continuously learn from treatment decisions and past health outcomes, which will in turn help refine its diagnostic capabilities. Ultimately, clinicians, patients and parents/caregivers will be able to use information from AI models to make informed treatment decisions.
Who’s doing it?
The lead investigators are Dr. Roberto Sassi and Dr. Paulo Pires, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University/McMaster Children’s Hospital.