Academic retreat investigates how to strengthen ‘U’ in CIUSSS
When a retreat is hosted by the Academic Affairs directorate, is it any wonder that participants were there to learn?
One-hundred and thirty senior managers representing sites across CIUSSS West-Central Montreal were familiarized, through a series of introductory presentations, with the “U” in CIUSSS—which unites teaching, research, the evaluation of methods of intervention (ETMI), knowledge translation, cutting-edge practices and outreach. The message shared by Cindy Starnino, the Director of Academic Affairs, is that every mission throughout the network plays a role in enhancing these six areas, because they are all implicated, ultimately, in improved quality of care for the healthcare user.
Through interactive workshops, the participants reflected on the most vital characteristics of the University Mission. Many agreed that for the “U” to flourish, it was crucial for directorates to be key players in making our CIUSSS unique. Whether from front-line sites, rehabilitation, long-term or acute care, all were urged to consider ways in which each and every one of their teams could contribute, such as by taking on students, becoming involved in research projects, or leading best practices.
The Academic Affairs team assured the senior managers that they would provide the guidance and support needed to bring about success, for example, through training on how to effectively integrate a student that has joined their department. Workshops also revealed a consensus on the need to increase collaboration and communication between clinicians and researchers, among directorates, and between the CIUSSS and external partners, such as community organizations.
As part of the half-day retreat, two clinical directorates, Nursing and Rehabilitation, were invited to share how they have integrated the six University Mission components. They spoke about the approaches necessary to providing an exceptional patient and family experience, within the framework of the University Mission. These included a commitment to developing local networks and international partnerships, applying innovative tools and evidence-based clinical practices, and adopting rigorous evaluation processes toward their research and practices.
Researchers from our CIUSSS were also on hand to present scientific posters on research axes in the biomedical, social and community fields.
Academic Affairs is planning an education caravan in the coming months, to reveal results of a survey identifying the needs of clinical teaching supervisors. They will also introduce the various activities and workshops the team has organized based on the feedback generated by the survey.
For further information, visit our CIUSSS intranet under Teaching or contact the Academic Affairs Planning, Programming and Research Officer, Valérie Coulombe, at 514-340-8222, extension 28341.
