Research project explores impact of SARS - 05/08/03

How have patients, families, nurses, and allied health professionals faced the challenges of SARS--the complicated precautions, the sense of isolation, the constantly changing information? To find out, Dr. Debra Bournes, Director of Nursing, New Knowledge and Innovation and Dr. Mary Ferguson-Paré, Vice President, Professional Affairs and Chief Nurse Executive are inviting people from these groups to share their experiences in a new research project, "Stories from Behind the Mask."

"We can only learn what will be helpful in this and other situations by asking the people who are experiencing some of it," explained Dr. Bournes.

The material will be collected anonymously, and analysed for prominent themes. The findings will help researchers understand what kind of support nurses and allied health professionals need in their practice environments, and how patient-centred care can be improved. The data will also be invaluable to Dr. Ferguson-Paré, who has been appointed to the National Advisory Group on SARS and Public Health.

Some 160 stories will be gathered--40 from each group. Participants will be asked to describe their experience of "persevering through a difficult time" during the SARS outbreak.

Participate online or share your story by phone at (416) 340-4800 ext. 6005.