Care of Vulnerable Clinical Populations

Jane McCusker, MD DrPH, Professor Emerita, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University

My research program addresses the healthcare needs of vulnerable clinical populations: older adults and those with chronic physical and mental conditions. This website contains information and materials for dissemination in the following areas:

• Mental Health: A series of studies comprise the DIRECT program (Depression Intervention via Research, Education, and Collaboration). Most recently we have developed and evaluated an innovative care model using trained lay coaches to support people in the use of mental health self-care materials.
• Geriatric Emergency Department Care: The growing volume of older patients in our ERs and hospitals demands the adaptation of traditional practices to the needs of this population. Our work has included: development of a checklist for use in quality improvement programs, and measures of experiences of older adults at an ER visit.
• ISAR (Identification of Seniors At Risk): ISAR is a widely-used risk stratification tool, for use in the ER and hospital to help identify those older adults in need of more focused assessment and intervention.
• CanSMART (Canadian Self-Management Research Team): A pan-Canadian team conducted a survey to assess chronic disease practices and support needs. Scales were developed to characterize physical and mental aspects of self-management.
• Delirium measurement and screening tools: The Delirium Index and the Delirium Risk Screening tool are cornerstones of delirium prevention services.

For more information, contact: jane.mccusker [at] mcgill.ca