Episode 2: the novel lab at holland bloorview
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This episode is presented by PIA Law
Why do so many kids get lost in the system after a concussion? At Holland Bloorview's NOvEL Lab in Toronto, young people with lived experience help design the research meant to answer that. Dr. Shannon Scratch and Andie Hickling explain how youth advisors reshaped R2Play, a return-to-play tool. They also look at where young people still fall through the cracks after an injury. Dr. Scratch shares a message for parents: most kids get better, but every experience is different.
About the novel lab
The NOvEL Lab’s mission is to use neurorehab outcomes and methods to help youth understand themselves. We believe education around self-advocacy will lead our clients and families towards a brighter future.
Their work work explores a variety of topics related to pediatric brain injury (e.g. concussion, acquired brain injury) and other neurological conditions. We take a broad approach by exploring how different systems such as personal characteristics (e.g. mental health, physical functioning), the environment (e.g. school, family, healthcare), and other factors can impact recovery from pediatric brain injury.
The leaders who make it happen
Dr. Shannon Scratch
Dr. Shannon Scratch is the director of the NOvEL (Neurorehab Outcomes via Education and Learning) Lab and a Senior Clinician Scientist at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital. She is also a registered Clinical Neuropsychologist dedicated to developing interventions for youth with concussion or acquired brain injury and their families. She has foundational training and experience linking neuropsychological and neuroimaging methods in at-risk pediatric populations including youth with acquired brain injury and concussion, children born preterm, and youth with medical complexity. Her clinical practice is in the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Team and Concussion Services at Holland Bloorview.
Andie Hickling
Andie Hickling completed her MSc in Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, and her BSc Kinesiology (Hons.) at McMaster University. She has completed a certificate in Project Management at the University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Andie holds a status-only appointment as a lecturer in the Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto, and is a registered occupational therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario.
Andie is currently working as the Research Manager in the NOvEL Lab across a number of projects. Andie is also an occupational therapist in the Persistent Concussion Clinic at Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, and supports youth and their families in returning to meaningful activities after concussion. Andie has a passion for integrating research and clinical care, and is enthusiastic about implementing creative solutions in the healthcare setting.
Presenting Sponsor - PIA Law
PIA Law, the Personal Injury Alliance, brings together three Ontario personal injury law firms: Oatley Vigmond, McLeish Orlando and Thomson Rogers. The firms work together to provide experienced legal representation to injured people and their families across Ontario.