Curiosity and a commitment to continuous quality improvement

Strategic Directions BE A LEARNING AND TEACHING ORGANIZATION:

Curiosity and a commitment to continuous quality improvement

RESEARCH 2021/22

One of Northwood's values is, we can always do better. Research supports evidence informed decisions and investment

• In 2021-22, there were 15 active projects at Northwood, five of which are new applications. Seven projects were continued from 2020-21, and three from 2019-20. Many of the projects are in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and aim to understand topics such as communication, health care, frailty, immunity, and safety. Additional projects focus on areas such as fall prevention, rehabilitation for residents living with dementia, oral health, and hygiene, measuring frailty in long-term care, and technology.

• One of the projects Northwood participated in was published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine and is entitled “Goals of Care Conversations in Long-term Care during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic.”

• The 2021-22 fiscal year had the most research activity (15 studies) compared to all previous fiscal years, with the majority of studies occurring in long-term care (11 studies).

• In June 2022, Northwood will virtually host its 10th Annual Research Symposium after a two year hiatus. The symposium covers many topics such as SMART technology in continuing care, improving care for younger residents, benefits of dogs within LTC, and understanding the needs of communitydwelling older adults. The symposium will also have a panel discussion on the health care system and the impact of COVID-19.

• Aligned with Northwood’s strategic direction to strengthen its role in research, the organization has hired a Research Associate to help manage the growing demands of research at Northwood. Furthermore, Northwood is also taking active steps in the organization and planning of an innovation and research center. We want to grow the number of projects supported at Northwood.