UHN is dedicated to creating A Healthier World for all by transforming innovative discoveries into practical health care solutions. With an emphasis on collaboration, we ensure that the advancements in health research are not just made, but reach the people who need them most.
This mission is underpinned by our commitment to incorporate inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in our research endeavours, as we address the unique needs of diverse populations who often face significant barriers to care.
Bringing Discoveries to Underserved Populations
Research at UHN is accelerating the translation of solutions to help high-risk and underserved communities identify and overcome barriers to care. For instance, at the KITE Research Institute (KITE), researchers are shedding light on the often-overlooked gender differences in community reintegration following traumatic brain injury. Addressing these unique obstacles will help patients regain their sense of identity and find a smoother path back into their communities.
Krembil Research Institute researchers have conducted the first known meta-analysis on the impact of having a serious co-occurring personality disorder on treatment for depression. This study also emphasizes the need for new treatment approaches and trials are currently underway to find better treatments for this group.
Bridging Gaps in Chronic and Complex Conditions
The Institute for Education Research (TIER) is tackling gaps in diabetes care for high-risk populations, such as Indigenous, Black, and South Asian Canadians. By creating culturally informed resources and interventions, TIER is ensuring that these groups receive care that addresses their specific needs and challenges.
Women face unique challenges in cardiovascular health due to various factors such as insufficient referrals, social and cultural barriers, and failure to meet unique needs. Researchers at the KITE are empowering women by tailoring cardiovascular rehabilitation resources that consider their unique challenges, particularly in preventing and managing heart disease.
Meanwhile, in cancer care, UHN researchers from TIER and the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre are developing an ethical framework to ensure fair access to CAR-T (chimeric antigen receptor T-cell) therapy, a life-saving treatment for advanced blood cancers. This framework prioritizes equitable access for all patients, despite the high cost and limited availability of the therapy.
Reaching Communities Everywhere
UHN’s commitment to health equity extends beyond Canada. Toronto General Hospital Research Institute (TGHRI) researchers are leading an international consortium in sub-Saharan Africa to transform fever management with a simple finger-prick blood test. This life-saving technology aims to improve care in resource-limited areas.
We are also leveraging technology to bring health care to people in areas with limited resources. The Medly tool, developed by TGHRI in collaboration with Commercialization at UHN, provides heart failure patients—particularly in remote areas—with a digital platform to self-monitor their condition, bringing cutting-edge care to those with limited access.
Looking to the Future
Through these initiatives, UHN is not only advancing health research but also ensuring that its benefits are shared equitably. By bridging gaps in care, we are building a healthier, more inclusive future for all. As we continue to prioritize IDEA principles, we are better equipped to address the unique health challenges of underserved and high-risk communities, ensuring that every advancement in health research has the power to transform lives in Canada and around the world.
This story is a part of our 2024 Year In Research campaign. Check out more feature stories here.