Establishing a Research Institute in an Ontario Community Hospital: Reflections and Lessons Learned

Integrating research into health service delivery is essential for building an equitable learning health system that values continuous improvement, innovation, and patient-centred care. At the organizational level, evidence shows that research-active hospitals achieve better patient outcomes and experiences, increased staff satisfaction and retention, enhanced operational efficiency, and greater opportunities for innovation and revenue generation. Yet, most Canadian hospitals are community hospitals which lack the infrastructure and organizational supports to conduct research. This article presents a case study of a research institute within a community hospital in Southern Ontario, describing its development, early outcomes, and strategic impact in establishing research as an organizational priority. We also introduce a novel adaptation of the balanced scorecard to guide the implementation and evaluation of research programs in community hospital settings. Reflections from this case highlight patient and organizational benefits, offering practical insights for community hospitals leaders seeking to build research capacity in their organizations.