The Waypoint Research Institute is pleased to announce they have received a two-year, $200,000 grant from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) as part of the Patient-Oriented Research Training Grant – Health System Stream.
The unique, multi-site implementation project is comprised of researchers, patient partners, and clinical leaders from Waypoint and the University of Saskatchewan’s Centre for Behavioural Science and Justice Studies and its partner forensic hospitals. The project supports researchers and clinicians to become more patient-oriented in forensic research and practice, and will develop concrete ways for patients to become more involved in research in a non-tokenistic way.
“A big focus on this project is forming trusting relationships with forensic patient partners and sustaining them by addressing and redressing power imbalances between researchers and patients,” said Dr. Christopher Canning, Director of the Waypoint Research Institute and principal investigator on the project. “This funding is also well timed to help Waypoint deliver on two of our strategic objectives in the Enabling Plans: become a national leader in forensic mental health research and build capacity for conducting patient-oriented research in forensic settings.”
Forensic patients are often highly vulnerable and have complex experiences of trauma and oppression. The project team will engage patient partners to understand their experiences of care in the forensic context, and how to work together when conducting research.
“The Patient/Client and Family Council (a mental health & addictions consumer organization) is extremely pleased to be involved in the leadership of this implementation project,” said Yvette Brook, Executive Director. “The opportunity to share, learn and collaborate with various partners provides an exciting environment to move patient-oriented research in forensics forward in a meaningful way.”
“Bridging our work at USask in the forensic patient-oriented field with that of Waypoint is a win-win for everyone” shared Dr. Mansfield Mela, Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and forensic psychiatrist at the Regional Psychiatric Centre. “Given the newness of this field, and our dedication to respectfully incorporating the insightful knowledge of forensic patients in our work, our team is excited to partner with the excellence Waypoint has to offer to build capacity for Canada”.
Ultimately, the project will develop guidelines for research and practice, training and education materials, and other tools to improve the care and wellbeing of forensic patients at Waypoint, the RPC, and other forensic mental healthcare settings across Canada.