By: Allison Currie
Nova Scotia Health is committed to working collaboratively with its partners, harnessing the combined skills of healthcare professionals, researchers and academics. For everyone involved, the heart of this collaboration is a focus on delivering, and improving, high-quality patient care for Nova Scotians.
Speaking of heart, thousands of Nova Scotians will pass through the doors of the Division of Cardiology at Nova Scotia Health each year. Many of these same patients will choose to participate in research. Through research, patients can receive more personalized care, access to new therapies and treatments and a supportive community. They also get to experience the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to improved care for future patients.
There is certainly no shortage of studies for patients to participate in within cardiology research. With approximately 50 to 60 research projects underway at any given time, the goal is to improve preventative education, treatments and procedures, while staying at the forefront of cardiac care.
Led by Research Director Dr. Ratika Parkash, the division's main areas of research include intervention and coronary artery disease, cardiac rehabilitation, diseases of the aorta, heart rhythm, heart failure and transplant research and health services and outcomes research. These areas of focus are supported by an innovative ecosystem of collaboration, both provincially and nationally.
Along with Nova Scotia Health, partners include Dalhousie University, researchers across the country and even industry partners, such as those that manufacture pacemakers. There is also a crossover between health divisions. For instance, the Divisions of Cardiac Surgery and Vascular Surgery serve a similar patient population and share research resources and expertise.
Dr. Parkash’s team includes 35 cardiologists, approximately 21 research staff, fellows, residents, students and affiliated scientists. Because everyone has a part to play, including those on the front lines of care, three of the 35 cardiologists have major research commitments, which means 60 percent of their time is protected for research, and 17 others have smaller percentages.
“We focus on bringing innovation and research to our patients to improve their quality of care and provide them with cutting edge therapies for their cardiovascular condition,” says Dr. Parkash. “The Divisions of Cardiology, Cardiac Surgery and Vascular Surgery have combined under one management structure in order to maximize our team’s efforts to enhance the care of cardiovascular patients with innovation and research.”
The type of research being done within the Division of Cardiology is diverse and constantly evolving. It can include major clinical trials with pharmaceuticals, individually pursued grant funded projects, or work being done in a clinic dedicated to a particular area. For example, in the Heart Function Clinic patients are offered the opportunity to participate in studies focusing on extending life or improving quality of life for individual patients.
The Inherited Heart Disease Clinic works with both individuals and families to study genetic issues that may or may not have presented symptoms yet. Inherited heart disease can affect more than one person in a single family and the clinic can provide genetic testing, help individuals manage their condition and provide preventative care to families.
There is also a device-monitoring clinic that works with patients with devices like a pacemaker and this is where partnerships with manufacturers can come into play.
But these examples are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the breadth of research topics the team will take on.
“Patients receiving heart health care can participate in a wide range of research, including groundbreaking clinical trials of drugs, devices and care plans,” says Laura Hamilton, Cardiology Research Manager. “They can also participate in observational registry studies that enhance our understanding of real-world clinical practice, inform future research initiatives and improve healthcare practices. With the recent launch of NovaStudies Connect, a website that allows Nova Scotians to search for research trial options and connect with study teams, we hope to be able to engage with more cardiovascular patients who are interested in research opportunities.”
Dr. Ashley Hilchie, Senior Director of Research at Nova Scotia Health, agrees that NovaStudies Connect is a game changer for participation in research.
“NovaStudies Connect empowers patients to take an active role in their healthcare by seamlessly connecting them with cutting-edge research opportunities,” says Dr. Hilchie. “By providing these opportunities we are helping to enhance personalized care and accelerate advancements in cardiac treatments, and beyond. It really can help improve patient and research outcomes across the healthcare system.”
The extensive research being done by the Division of Cardiology is good news for patients because it’s helping to extend lives and improve quality of life. Their commitment to collaborative research is making a significant impact on the lives of individuals and communities both locally and beyond.
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Research is care, and clinical studies help translate research into potentially life-changing therapies that can help you, your friends and your loved ones. Want to know more about how to get involved? Visit Nova Studies Connect today: novastudiesconnect.ca
