We are still learning how COVID-19 impacts different parts of the body — and with the support of donors, we have launched the COVID-19 Research Initiative, an ambitious internal research fund that provides $100,000 grants to the most promising COVID-19 research.
Thanks to the support of our community, we were able to provide resources for five studies to find solutions to challenges posed by the pandemic.
A virtual care program for COVID-19 patients recovering at home
A new research program called COVIDEO is helping Sunnybrook patients with COVID-19 who have mild to moderate symptoms manage their recoveries at home, providing support and care by phone or video. The COVIDEO team has already cared for nearly 400 patients and is planning a province-wide study to measure the effectiveness of COVIDEO and other virtual care programs in improving outcomes for patients with COVID-19.
How does COVID-19 affect the brain?
A Sunnybrook team will study the neurological impact of COVID-19 through the use of clinical assessments and MRI images of the brain in recovered COVID-19 patients. In addition to raising awareness of this issue among doctors and in the public, the study will also allow us to connect patients who need neurological treatments with the right care as early as possible.
How does COVID-19 damage the heart?
A new Sunnybrook study will aim to better understand the prevalence and predictors of heart damage in recovered COVID-19 patients. With a better understanding of the mechanisms and predictors of heart damage, we can better treat affected patients and screen patients who are most at risk for developing these conditions.
Can blood thinners reduce the burden of disease in COVID-19?
Sunnybrook has launched a new study to determine whether patients who are already taking blood thinners while diagnosed with COVID-19 fare better than those who are not. If we find that people on a blood thinner at the time of a COVID-19 diagnosis recover better, then it provides evidence that it may be beneficial to start patients with a COVID-positive result on a blood thinner, at least for a short time.
How can we help cancer patients with delayed surgeries due to COVID-19?
With donor funds, a Sunnybrook team is launching a study to investigate whether drug treatments typically meant to follow cancer surgeries are safe and effective when given before surgery. With many surgeries unfortunately delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the lessons from this study will aid interim decision making and help cancer patients in Ontario and beyond.
