Ontario SPOR SUPPORT Unit: Ontario's Catalyst for Patient-Oriented Research

Health research is key to improving the lives of Ontarians. Health research can lead to better health, better health care experience, and better ways to provide health care to everyone. At OSSU, we make sure health researchers in Ontario effectively work with patients, families and caregivers. This partnership can ensure health research meets the needs of people in Ontario. OSSU enlists the best research teams throughout Ontario and they help health research to benefit the people of Ontario. Research with and for everyone OSSU works to make sure health research can partner with anyone, including people that are often left out. This means we support First Nations' research, address racism and sexism in research, and support French-language research. We make sure the results of research reach all who could benefit not just certain groups. Improving health care OSSU links patient-partnered research with what the health system most needs by working closely with Ontario's Ministry of Health and people working in the provincial health system. One way OSSU does this is to be the hub for patient-partnered research that can help different parts of the health system (like hospitals, health teams, family doctors and others). We help these groups learn what works and what doesn't in providing health care of the people of Ontario. For example, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most people have to visit their doctor over the phone or via a computer not in person. Our patient-partnered research will find out what it takes to make this type of 'virtual visit' work for people in Ontario, without leaving out people who would much prefer to see their doctor in person. Making an impact At OSSU we will apply the knowledge gained from Ontario's patient-partnered research to make a difference for everyone in Ontario.