By: Kaitlynn Kemp
Originally published by the Department of Health, Evidence and Impact, available here.
Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact assistant professor Aaron Jones has been appointed as the Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging.
Jones, who is also the director of ICES McMaster and research lead at the Waterloo Regional Campus of the Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, was appointed to the chair for a five-year term.
“I’m thrilled and honored by this recognition, which acknowledges the work I’m involved in to improve the care of older adults,” says Jones. “This appointment will enable me to expand my research program and contribute to improving how we organize and deliver healthcare for seniors.”
Jones is a health services researcher and biostatistician with expertise in the use of health administrative data and data science methodologies. He is also a member of the McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (MIRA). His research program investigates the health service use of older adults with on-going care needs, with the goal of discovering how to better organize, manage, and deliver the care that older adults need to age well in their preferred location.
This new chair is possible thanks to a generous gift from the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, a charitable, non-profit organization that enhances the quality of life and care for older adults through research, education, and practice.
Jones is hoping to expand his research to continue improving healthcare delivery for older adults, particularly in emergency departments and primary care. As Canada’s population continues to age, seniors require specialized care. This work will address challenges like dementia, access to home care services, navigating long-term care residences, and reducing unnecessary ER visits.
The chair will also enable Jones to strengthen key relationships, including his connection with Canada’s only geriatrics emergency care department at Toronto Western Hospital, as well as his role as director of ICES McMaster. By utilizing data from ICES, Jones aims to generate evidence that improves outcomes for older adults and ensures healthcare systems adapt to their specific needs.
“I want to congratulate Dr. Jones on being named Schlegel Chair in Clinical Epidemiology and Aging,” says Alfonso Iorio, professor and chair of the Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact. “His work in improving healthcare for older adults is truly impactful, and I’m confident that his leadership and expertise will continue to drive important advancements in this area.”
Jones’ work demonstrates the critical importance of generating evidence to improve care delivery and the lives of seniors. This research drives real-world changes by informing government guidelines and policies to improve the care and wellbeing of older adults.
“This appointment will directly support improving the lives of older adults, who have different and often more complex care needs. I’m excited to continue advancing how we organize and deliver healthcare for seniors, ensuring more accurate diagnoses, better care, and improved outcomes,” says Jones.
