Changing critical care through research

By Zahra Bhimani

The St. Michael’s Hospital-based Canadian Adaptive Platform Trial in Intensive Care (CAPTIC) is the first Canadian research program to assess the effectiveness of a platform trial, and to explore ways to bring the results of research more rapidly to the bedside.

CAPTIC is led by Dr. John Marshall and is a Canadian Institutes for Health Research – Strategy for Patient Oriented Research (CIHR-SPOR) funded research program that will introduce a new model of clinical research called a platform trial. Platform trials can study several treatments for a disease simultaneously and increase the chances that patients in the trial will receive treatments that seem to be performing better. They provide an opportunity for patients to play a role in accelerating knowledge and merging clinical research with quality improvement.

The CAPTIC Research Team is hosting its first patient engagement event, Changing Critical Care through Research – Join the Conversation, during Research Month.

On Nov. 20, from 5 to 8 p.m., CAPTIC will hold a patient engagement event at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. The event will provide previous ICU patients across Toronto and their caregivers an opportunity to share their experiences with critical illness and to provide their thoughts on research and how it can better address patient needs.

Register here if you are interested in attending.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.

St. Michael’s Hospital with Providence Healthcare and St. Joseph’s Health Centre now operate under one corporate entity as of August 1, 2017. United, the three organizations serve patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education.