Challenges
Potential impediments to the project emanate from a number of sources:
1.Reluctance in the population to be involved in research in general
2.Reluctance from medical professionals to become active or engaged
3.Reluctance of the community to support economically
4.Reluctance of pharmaceutical firms to conduct rural research
5.Supply of qualified researchers
6.Competition with other research endeavours
Mitigation of these potential impediments include education, communication and word-of-mouth promotion.
Initial acceptance of the research institute concept has been supportive and encouraging. Preliminary work on business plans justifying the creation of Family Health Teams to the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care in various population centres in the area all suggest that Gateway’s catchment area and demographic base are sound and sub-populations will be enthusiastic participants in clinical research studies.
Initial contacts and ongoing discussions with local professionals have all been supportive and encouraging. Continued contact through bulletins and information newsletters will keep the professional community apprised of progress and abreast of issues in process. It is expected that most physicians in the area will participate in one form or another to the endeavour – as research supervisors or participants or referring selected patients as subjects - given the expectation of professional and peer recognition.
The Huron-Perth area has been active in initiating breakthrough endeavours in health care. HealthKick Huron, recently awarded first prize in Medical Innovation by the Economic Development Corporation of Ontario, is a prime example. The community of Huron East sponsors a community-led Family Health Team, with governance by community and business leaders in addition to representatives of the medical community.
Contact with pharmaceutical firms has been very encouraging. Pharmaceuticals seek test-beds for new or improved medications. Gateway provides an ideal site due to its tight demographic under study, uncomplicated environment and receptive test population.
Gateway has a ready supply of candidates for research work. Through HealthKick Huron, Georgian College offers extension courses for RPN9 qualifications, and students will be offered opportunities for service and possible academic credit after clinical research training. As outlined previously, Gateway will ensure adequate training to satisfy the requirements of research projects underway.
There are no other rural-based clinical research endeavours underway in Canada to the same scale envisioned by Gateway. There is currently no other agency or endeavour producing similar studies. Its approach is unique. Sufficient research efforts and topics abound in urban and academic-rich areas that do not require a concentrated focus for urban versus rural issues. In addition, transportation issues to import test subjects from Ontario rural areas where medical problems persist (and are above average) to urban areas solely for research are prohibitive.
