Six Primary Objectives
Six clear objectives, developed in consultation with our primary funders, form the cornerstone of SCISN’s business planning, governance, and daily operations. All of Rick Hansen Institute’s work in translational research, SCI registry development, community partnerships, and best practice promotion is determined by its potential and measured against its ability to make progress against these objectives:
- A significant reduction in the incidence and severity of permanent paralysis resulting from SCI
- A significant increase in restoration of physical function following SCI
- A significant reduction in the incidence and severity of secondary complications associated with SCI
- A significant increase in level of satisfaction with quality of life and community participation among people with SCI
- Ensuring that customized response to priority unmet needs are available to 100% of individuals with SCI throughout their journey to full participation
- Establishing a world class Canadian SCI registry and data management platform
Five Work Areas
To meet the six primary objectives, the Rick Hansen Institute carries out work in five critical areas:
- conducting translational research that moves discoveries into new treatments and approaches that tackle the most pressing needs of Canadians with SCI—and those most demanding on our health care system
- developing a Canada-wide registry to collect and analyze valuable data on SCI
- promoting validated treatment and care approaches as best practices.
- creating solutions to meet the priority needs of Canadians with SCI, through partnerships at the community level
- national leadership and facilitating collaboration across the SCI continuum
These five work areas represent the continuation of work originally undertaken by the former SCI-TRN and the former SCI Solutions Alliance.
Originally, each of these five areas were further broken down into a large number of strategies. At fiscal year end, in consultation with RHF and our funders, the Rick Hansen Institute distilled these into eight clear strategies which are being pursued to reach our six objectives and, ultimately, minimize disability and maximize the quality of life of Canadians with SCI.
Strategies for the Translational Research Program:
- assessment and development of best practice guidelines for emergency response, treatment and access to primary health care
- supporting clinical trials in acute care, rehabilitation and community, fostering global collaboration where possible
- supporting the development of a Best & Brightest program to nurture new SCI researchers
- Strategies for the SCI Registry:
- collecting and analyzing data on SCI in Canada, including acute, rehabilitation and community components; supporting research and multi-centre trials, utilizing a web-based national technology platform and collaborating globally where appropriate
Strategies for our work in Best Practices:
- facilitating the adoption and implementation of validated best practices as identified by the Translational Research Program and through properly evaluated public policy and community-based programs aimed at improving treatment, care and support
- communicating these best practices directly to Canadians with SCI
Strategies for our Solutions work:
- working with Rick Hansen Institute partners to enhance service delivery through the Solutions Model (solutions team, navigators).
- working with Rick Hansen Institute partners to enhance capacity and develop initiatives that respond to the priority needs of people with SCI, utilizing collaborative funding mechanisms such as Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion, and provincial/territorial 20th Anniversary investments
Our Institute Leadership & Coordination team will provide critical support services for implementation of these strategies, including finance, accountability, and human resources management; as well as communications support and resource development expertise.
This entire Rick Hansen Institute structure and operational activity is illustrated in the organizational chart. The chart also provides clarity about how the Rick Hansen Institute is supported operationally (Institute Leadership & Coordination) in the areas of finance, accountability/reporting, human resources, communications, and resource development. It also explains how all work activities are or will be overseen by the CEO working in concert with a National Advisory Council, with ultimate governance provided by a Board of Directors, to be appointed in the 2009 – 2010 fiscal year.
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