This has proven an efficient use of both practice and education resources, with a reduction in duplication of efforts among programs. Professional Practice has three major components - a staff of Clinical Specialists and Clinical Educators, the Professional Practice Leaders and the Clinical Practice Committee. Clinical Specialists and Clinical Educators Educational activities are a major responsibility of this portfolio. Many of the staff are cross-appointed to the University of Toronto and other academic institutions. A wide variety of clinical teaching activities are fulfilled through these academic affiliations.
Staff are active in curriculum design and review and teaching through lecturing, seminars and labs.
In addition, many creative student placements are coordinated and provided within the hospital for individuals and groups, both at the graduate and undergraduate levels. Many of the Professional Practice staff are involved in research activities. Initial findings of this survey were published in the Research Institute's Annual Report. Other research activities involve participation in multi-site studies with either the University of Toronto or McMaster University, e.g. Unilateral Inattention, Development of the Upper Extremity Disability Inventory. It facilitates the implementation of best practice through recommendations to Professional Affairs Committees and the programs, and engages in the development and evaluation of Clinical Practice Guidelines.