Toronto East General Hospital

Toronto East General Hospital Delves Into Making Research Ideas a Reality for Nursing Grand Research Round

9 December 2013

The Toronto Academic Health Sciences Network (TAHSN) Nursing Grand Research Rounds wrapped up the year with another informative seminar at Toronto East General Hospital (TEGH) on Monday, December 2, 2013.  Presented by Dr. Jeff Powis, director of TEGH’s Antimicrobial Stewardship Program and Barley Chironda, a senior infection Prevention Specialist, the lunchtime talk showcased how passion and perseverance can turn research ideas into reality.  The inspiring messages within the talk proved to be a fitting way to draw the 2013 Research Rounds to a close and look forward to a new year, and new schedule of events.

Dr. Powis and Chironda peppered the talk with their personal accounts leading with Chironda’s enthusiasm towards research ideas.  That energy stood out to Dr. Powis so intently that he was keen to be a mentor and further Chironda’s Barley’s research goals.

“When you come up with an idea you want to follow it through and put it out there,” said Chironda.  “It’s important to share that information when it comes out and by bringing more people on the journey, they will learn more through osmosis.”

Sharing their experience in-depth, the two walked attendees through each step of their project and provided encouragement for seeking out opportunities to discuss ideas with peers and potential mentors.  Dr. Powis asked attendees “how do you make a difference at the bedside?”  Through the success of Chironda’s research, expressing ideas and seeking mentorship is a key way to improve health care delivery.

“The lines between research and general care are starting to blur,” said Dr. Powis.  “A large part of our day-to-day job is going through and focussing on interventions, followed by evaluation of the outcomes and it’s a natural process to bring the two elements together.”

The audience, both at TEGH and viewing through the live webcast, had many questions and comments at the end of the seminar.  The enthusiasm of attendees mirrored Chironda’s and Dr. Powis illustrating the impact research has on patient care and the overwhelming desire of health care professionals to engage in research activities.  As Dr. Powis pointed out near the end of the seminar “My job is to provide better care to the next patient and that’s what research is all about.  And through the incredible energy and enthusiasm of people like Barley, we get to move research forward and improve patient care.”

The next Nursing Grand Research Round takes place at North York General Hospital in early 2014.

To view the Toronto East General Hospital Nursing Grand Research Round webcast, please go here.