Aging Innovation in Perioperative Medicine and Surgery (AIMS)
Improving patient care before and after surgery through prehabilitation, patient engagement and high-quality clinical research
The Aging Innovation in Perioperative Medicine and Surgery (AIMS) Research Group conducts research to improve how patients prepare for and recover from surgery. Through clinical research, knowledge synthesis, and innovation we aim to improve perioperative care and outcomes, particularly for patients at greater risk.
On this page:
Who we are
The AIMS Research Group is based at The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and led by Dr. Daniel McIssac. Our team brings together researchers, clinicians, trainees and patient partners to advance perioperative care through collaborative, multidisciplinary research.
Our research focuses on improving health, recovery, and quality of life across the surgical journey. We believe better outcomes begin with better preparation, support, and care. We value different perspectives, enjoy working together, and share a common goal: helping surgical patients have better experiences and outcomes.
What we do
We take a pragmatic, real-world approach to research, with the goal of developing health interventions that are effective, feasible, and accessible to the patients who need them. By combining multidisciplinary expertise with rigorous, patient-centered research, we work to improve how patients prepare for surgery, recover afterward, and experience the surgical journey.
Our work is guided by four pillars:
Prehabilitation and recovery
We develop and evaluate interventions that help patients prepare for surgery and recover afterward, with the goal of improving health, independence, and quality of life.
Clinical and health services research
We use clinical trials, health data, and other research methods to understand what influences surgical outcomes and how health systems can better support patients across the surgical journey.
Knowledge synthesis
We bring together evidence from existing research to understand what works, identify gaps in knowledge, and inform future research and perioperative care.
Knowledge translation and implementation
We work with patients, clinicians, researchers, and health system partners to move evidence into practice and make effective interventions more feasible and accessible in real-world care.
Why our work matters
Surgery can be a life-changing event. While many patients recover well, others may experience challenges that affect their health, independence, and quality of life long after surgery.
Our research aims to better understand these challenges and develop practical, accessible approaches to help patients prepare for surgery, recover afterward, and achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.
Where to learn more
Whether you are a patient, researcher, clinician, trainee or collaborator, discover the programs, resources and opportunities available through the AIMS Research Group:
Meet the researchers, clinicians, trainees, staff, and patient partners working together to advance perioperative care.
Discover AIMS research priorities, current studies, research findings, and research tools aimed at improving perioperative care and outcomes, including the Clinical Frailty Scale Module.
Explore resources designed to support surgical preparation, recovery, healthy aging, and evidence-based perioperative care.
Explore training and mentorship opportunities for trainees, clinicians, and researchers interested in perioperative care and health services research.
Stay up to date with the latest AIMS news, research highlights, publications, awards, and team achievements.
Interested in our research, collaborations, or training opportunities? We’d love to hear from you!
Connect with the AIMS team to learn more about our work and ways to get involved:
aimsresearch@toh.ca
