Camilla Zimmermann

If you're interested in working with Dr. Zimmermann, please contact the research team at zimmteam@uhn.ca.

Research Synopsis:

Our team is conducting various projects that involve novel ways of integrating palliative care into oncology care. This involves developing and testing potential models for the provision of palliative care, as well as validating existing measures of palliative care effectiveness and creating new ones. A particular focus is the early involvement of specialized palliative care services in outpatient settings. For example, we have developed an intervention entitled Symptom screening with Targeted Early Palliative care (STEP) and are testing it in clinical trials in patients with advanced cancer. We are also conducting qualitative and mixed methods research in this area, including qualitative interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers regarding their experiences with palliative care. In addition, we are using Ontario's cancer registry databases from the ICES to answer questions pertaining to health policy in oncology palliative care. Overall, our aim is to improve the wellbeing of patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers by providing sound evidence through rigorous clinical research.