About Us
The Thames Valley Family Practice Research Unit
(TVFPRU) is a health system linked research unit. This is one of 8 such units funded by the Ontario Ministry of
Health, and the only one focusing on primary care. The TVFPRU is a partnership between
researchers and providers of care to undertake relevant health services
research. The Centre for Studies in
Family Medicine and the London Chapter of the College of Family Physicians of
Canada jointly formed this Unit in 1989.
The partnership
of researchers and practising community physicians ensures that research
undertaken by the Unit is relevant and rigorously conducted. Research projects that are developed are
evaluated from both theoretical and day-to-day practice points of view.
The Partners
Centre
for Studies in Family Medicine - The Centre was established
in 1986 as the research unit of the Department
of Family Medicine of The University of
Western Ontario. Its mission is the
enhancement of care by family
physicians. The Centre embodies
excellence in research based on a philosophy that emphasizes the primacy of the
person. Research focuses include preventive care, home-based care, and
cost-effective management.
London Chapter of the College of Family
Physicians of Canada - Since 1954 the College has been promoting excellence
in primary care through education, communication among family physicians, and
research that embraces a philosophy of caring for the needs of people. The London Chapter, in existence since 1972,
provides linkages with family physicians in London, Ontario and the surrounding
area.
A Liaison Physician serves as a bridge
between the two partners.
Mission
The Thames Valley Family Practice Research Unit (TVFPRU) is a Southwest Ontario based partnership among researchers, family physicians, other health services providers, and policy makers across Southwestern Ontario and Ontario as a whole, that conducts research. Its mission is to:
- Improve care of individuals, families, and communities
- Enhance family practice and interdisciplinary primary health care
Goal of the TVFPRU
To conduct collaborative research relevant to family practice and primary health care, and translate new knowledge into practice and policy regarding:
- Interdisciplinary primary health care (e.g. team practice, collaborative models of care, health human resources)
- Patient-centred care
- Prevention and health promotion
- Populations at risk (e.g. Aboriginal, children's mental health and patients with chronic disease)
- System integration (e.g. e-health, access, wait times, shared care)
Family Physician/General Practitioner Participation in
Research Projects
All family
physicians/general practitioners in London and surrounding areas are welcome to
participate in projects of the TVFPRU.
Area physicians are closely involved in all stages of research projects,
from developing an initial idea for a study through to the interpretation and
presentation of results. Input from
physicians ensures that research is relevant and conducted in a manner that is
consistent with good patient care.
Studies are structured to ensure minimal disruption of practice
routines.
Physicians who
are interested in participating in Research Unit studies are encouraged to
contact Dr. Moira Stewart (Director), Cathy Thorpe (Research Associate) or Dr. Neil
Marshall (Liaison Physician) at
(519) 858-5028
Resources Available to Community Physicians
- Research consultation to physicians who are interested in conducting their own research studies. Contact: Cathy Thorpe (Research Associate) at 519-858-5028
- Family Medicine Education and Research Network (FERN) provides an enhanced opportunity for communication between family physicians using the Internet. Contact: Dr. Neil Marshall at 519-245-3590
- World Wide Web (WWW) information and dissemination site - http://www.uwo.ca/fammed/tvfpru/index.html
- FOCUS, a newsletter distributed to family physicians reporting research and other relevant items.
