Sister Kenny Research Center makes strides in patient-centered technologies Sister Elizabeth Kenny was a pioneer <strong>and</strong> innovator whose quest for excellence served as a guiding principle in the establishment of the Sister Kenny Research Center. Sister Kenny Foundation has been a constant partner with the Research Center as it has steadily exp<strong>and</strong>ed its capacity with facilities <strong>and</strong> equipment, conducted <strong>and</strong> published research, <strong>and</strong> raised its international profile as a leader in the rehabilitation research field. The Foundation continues to be a significant champion of Research Center resources <strong>and</strong> initiatives, helping improve patient care as well as rehabilitation interventions <strong>and</strong> technologies developed by Sister Kenny clinicians. Mary Radomski, PhD, OTR/L, occupational therapist, leads several initiatives as a clinical scientist. In 2010, she conducted a foundation-funded study of stroke survivors that analyzed <strong>and</strong> assessed factors contributing to their adherence to after-care rehabilitation recommendations. “With our findings, we hope to build a basis for future processes that will improve patient outcomes <strong>and</strong> minimize the risk of repeat hospitalizations,” she explained. Working with funding from the Foundation <strong>and</strong> the U.S. Surgeon General, Radomski <strong>and</strong> Assistant Scientist Maggie Weightman, PhD, PT, are designing rehabilitation assessments to evaluate critical vulner<strong>abilities</strong> of military personnel that would interfere with their successful return to duty following a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury. Radomski <strong>and</strong> Weightman are leading the team to develop a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Toolkit that documents occupational <strong>and</strong> physical therapy best practices for soldiers. Radomski, a 32-year employee of Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute (SKRI), is grateful to the Foundation for its generous support of research. “When you invest in research, you advance far beyond the status quo,” she noted. “It sends a positive message to patients that the Institute is always looking for the next best thing to help them.” Research Center Director Lars Oddsson, PhD, concurs. “We really encourage clinicians to engage in research <strong>and</strong> publish their findings. Foundation funding is critical to protect the time necessary for researchers to prepare their publications. Publishing research findings is a long <strong>and</strong> tedious, but necessary, process,” Oddsson explained. As a result of Foundation funding, the Research Center has seen an increase in the number of articles published in peer-reviewed publications, which is an important step in creating a culture of research <strong>and</strong> innovation, while elevating its reputation at an international level. The onsite Research Center creates a climate of richer engagement among team members <strong>and</strong> gives the SKRI an academic touch that excites <strong>and</strong> empowers employees. Philanthropy also ramps up technology development <strong>and</strong> translation initiatives such as RxFunction, Inc., a technology company within the Research Center. The onsite Research Center ensures that patients benefit from the use of evidence-based practices. “What it means for patients is that there is continual development of procedures, treatments <strong>and</strong> technologies,” said Oddsson, adding that patients are an essential member of the research team as the ultimate “end user.” “The Research Center helps create a richer environment in which to work,” added Physicianin-chief Karl S<strong>and</strong>in, MD, MPH. “There is a qualitative excitement you can’t measure that makes working at the Institute professionally satisfying — the Research Center is a key part of that.” 4
The Foundation continues to be a significant <strong>and</strong> very important supporter of Research Center resources <strong>and</strong> initiatives, helping improve patient care as well as rehabilitation interventions <strong>and</strong> technologies developed by Sister Kenny clinicians. 5
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