Alberta Health Services improves research coordination
October 03, 2008
EDMONTON, AB - The Alberta Health Services Board (AHS) has asked Dr. Lorne Tyrrell to recommend ways to strengthen coordination of AHS research activities with post-secondary institutions and the Alberta government and ways to enhance application of research findings to improve patient care for all Albertans.
"With the consolidation of the nine health regions and three provincial boards, it is appropriate timing to look at our research currently underway and identify the next steps towards enhancing health research to inform patient care," said Board Chair Ken Hughes. He adds, "Research and innovation are keys to improving patient outcomes. This coordination is a necessary first step towards better focusing the research effort within AHS."
Dr. Lorne Tyrrell holds the Canadian Institutes of Health Research/GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Virology at the University of Alberta. Dr. Tyrrell is the former Dean of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. His research on viral hepatitis resulted in the first oral antiviral agent to treat chronic hepatitis B infection.
The report will be completed by January 31, 2009. It will focus on ways to improve patient care directly, improve the information required to make management decisions on delivery systems, improve health research directed towards improving the health of the population, and improve links to the research priorities of partners, government and the various funding sources, all in collaboration with Alberta Advanced Education and Technology's overarching review of the province's research and innovation system.
"This inventory and the resulting recommendations will provide an important opportunity for the future coordination of efforts to ensure that health research informs practice throughout the system," said Ron Liepert, Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness.
Health research is important in driving continuous improvement in treatment, facilitating trials, attracting top clinicians to Alberta, and contributing to Alberta's economy by attracting investment especially in biotechnology.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services to more than 3.5 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
- 30 -
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lee Elliott
Communications, Alberta Health Services
Phone: 780-643-4423
