Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health
Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health
Restoring abilities, independence and lives - Allina Health
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Sister Kenny Research Center makes strides<br />
in patient-centered technologies<br />
Sister Elizabeth Kenny was a pioneer <strong>and</strong> innovator whose quest for excellence served as<br />
a guiding principle in the establishment of the Sister Kenny Research Center. Sister Kenny<br />
Foundation has been a constant partner with the Research Center as it has steadily exp<strong>and</strong>ed<br />
its capacity with facilities <strong>and</strong> equipment, conducted <strong>and</strong> published research, <strong>and</strong> raised its<br />
international profile as a leader in the rehabilitation research field.<br />
The Foundation continues to be a significant champion of Research Center resources <strong>and</strong><br />
initiatives, helping improve patient care as well as rehabilitation interventions <strong>and</strong> technologies<br />
developed by Sister Kenny clinicians.<br />
Mary Radomski, PhD, OTR/L, occupational therapist, leads several initiatives as a clinical<br />
scientist. In 2010, she conducted a foundation-funded study of stroke survivors that analyzed <strong>and</strong><br />
assessed factors contributing to their adherence to after-care rehabilitation recommendations.<br />
“With our findings, we hope to build a basis for future processes that will improve patient outcomes<br />
<strong>and</strong> minimize the risk of repeat hospitalizations,” she explained.<br />
Working with funding from the Foundation <strong>and</strong> the U.S. Surgeon General, Radomski <strong>and</strong><br />
Assistant Scientist Maggie Weightman, PhD, PT, are designing rehabilitation assessments to<br />
evaluate critical vulner<strong>abilities</strong> of military personnel that would interfere with their successful<br />
return to duty following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. Radomski <strong>and</strong> Weightman are<br />
leading the team to develop a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit that documents occupational<br />
<strong>and</strong> physical therapy best practices for soldiers.<br />
Radomski, a 32-year employee of Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI), is grateful to<br />
the Foundation for its generous support of research. “When you invest in research, you advance<br />
far beyond the status quo,” she noted. “It sends a positive message to patients that the Institute is<br />
always looking for the next best thing to help them.”<br />
Research Center Director Lars Oddsson, PhD, concurs. “We really encourage clinicians to<br />
engage in research <strong>and</strong> publish their findings. Foundation funding is critical to protect the time<br />
necessary for researchers to prepare their publications. Publishing research findings is a long<br />
<strong>and</strong> tedious, but necessary, process,” Oddsson explained. As a result of Foundation funding,<br />
the Research Center has seen an increase in the number of articles published in peer-reviewed<br />
publications, which is an important step in creating a culture of research <strong>and</strong> innovation, while<br />
elevating its reputation at an international level.<br />
The onsite Research Center creates a climate of richer engagement among team members <strong>and</strong><br />
gives the SKRI an academic touch that excites <strong>and</strong> empowers employees.<br />
Philanthropy also ramps up technology development <strong>and</strong> translation initiatives such as<br />
RxFunction, Inc., a technology company within the Research Center. The onsite Research Center<br />
ensures that patients benefit from the use of evidence-based practices. “What it means for patients<br />
is that there is continual development of procedures, treatments <strong>and</strong> technologies,” said Oddsson,<br />
adding that patients are an essential member of the research team as the ultimate “end user.”<br />
“The Research Center helps create a richer environment in which to work,” added Physicianin-chief<br />
Karl S<strong>and</strong>in, MD, MPH. “There is a qualitative excitement you can’t measure that makes<br />
working at the Institute professionally satisfying — the Research Center is a key part of that.”<br />
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