Canada's Minister of Health announces Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research

Today the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health announced the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR), a transformative research initiative that places patients at the centre of health care.

Developed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), in collaboration with provinces, charities and industry representatives, the strategy is based on an overall vision of how the federal government will work with provincial and territorial health ministries and partners to ensure that the right patient receives the right treatment at the right time.

"By putting patients first, we are making sure that research will have a greater impact on treatment and services provided in clinics, hospitals and doctors' offices throughout Canada," said Minister Aglukkaq. "Better integration of research evidence and clinical practices means improved health outcomes and a better health-care system in Canada."

"The Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research will help attract, retain, train and mentor the best scientific minds," added Dr. Jeff Turnbull, President of the Canadian Medical Association. "It will help make sure medical professionals hear about what's working in different parts of the country, and allow all Canadians to benefit from these successes. It will create clinical research infrastructure, identify the most pressing research priorities, and help improve patient recruitment and funding for clinical trials."

"The strategy aims at strengthening organizational, regulatory and financial support for clinical studies in Canada to improve translation of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to the bedside," said Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. "It will bring together a vast coalition of clinical researchers and stakeholders to help the provinces and territories meet the challenge of delivering high quality, cost-effective health care."

Minister Aglukkaq also announced the membership of the Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research National Steering Committee, composed of national and international partners from both public and private sectors. The Committee will implement the strategy and encourage collective engagement and ownership.