Innovations in Mental Health Research

Our Lab.

The Hatching Ideas Lab is made up of researchers from The Ottawa Hospital focused on addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with serous mental illness. The lab includes two core components: the clinical research arm (led by Dr. Simon Hatcher) and the epidemiology & evidence synthesis arm (led by Dr. Marco Solmi).

Our Work.

Our research program is closely collaborating with international and local labs conducting clinical and meta-research ultimately aiming to translate an disseminate high quality evidence to improve clinical outcomes of people with mental disorders.

This arm of our research program focuses broadly on the areas of suicide prevention, bipolar disorder, managing the effects of trauma, and the mental health burden of COVID-19. Within each of these research areas, we conducting an array of research projects, including randomized controlled clinical trials, cohort studies, chart and administrative record reviews as well as qualitative studies. A key theme of our research includes addressing the needs of vulnerable populations, including those with serious mental illness.

Lead: Dr. Simon Hatcher

Clinical Research

Epidemiology & Evidence Synthesis

This arm of our research program focuses on epidemiological research and evidence synthesis in the following areas: the physical health of those with mental disorders, the efficacy and safety of biological and psychosocial interventions for mental disorders, with a focus on early intervention and severe and persistent mental disorders. This work takes a wide variety of approaches including (living) systematic reviews, meta-analyses, network meta-analyses, umbrella reviews, cohort and case-control studies.

Lead: Dr. Marco Solmi

Patient Engagement.

Partnerships with patients and people with lived experience are integral to the development of research that matters. We prioritize patient partnerships in all of our projects. This can take many forms, from being involved in grant applications, to providing consultation on study protocols, to participating in knowledge translation activities.

Whether you’ve been a patient partner before, are just starting on your patient partner journey, or are a researcher looking to learn more, we have a curated library of resources to help you on you way.

To become involved in our lab as a patient partner, check out the “work with us” section for current opportunities.

Recent Publications.

Our Blog.

Hatching Ideas Lab Blog
National Indigenous People’s Day
National Indigenous People’s Day

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada. This day was chosen in cooperation with Indigenous organizations because of the cultural and spiritual significance of the summer solstice for Indigenous Peoples. June 21 is a day for all Canadians to celebrate and recognize the history, unique heritages, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions and achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis Peoples.

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Stress, Stress Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day
Stress, Stress Go Away, Come Again Some Other Day

It’s always there, lurking in the back of our minds, we close our eyes and will it away.  “Will I be able to pay this month’s bill?”, “Will I be able to meet my work deadlines?”, “Will I be able to pass all my courses?”, “Will I land this job?”, “Am I good enough?”. Turbulent questions spin in our heads, spiralling us down a rabbit hole until we are numb or break. This is stress and it affects us all in a multitude of ways.

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Join the Conversation about Mental Health
Join the Conversation about Mental Health

By age 40, half of all Canadians will have or have had a mental illness and, in any given year, 1/5 Canadians experience mental health struggles. Youth and young adults especially struggle with their mental health, with those aged 15-24 most likely to experience mental illness and/or substance abuse problems. Similarly, nearly 40% of Ontario high-school students report moderate to severe levels of depression and/or anxiety.

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Contact us.

Sarah MacLean
Senior Clinical Research Associate
hatchingideaslab@gmail.com
(613) 737-8899, X73011

1919 Riverside Drive
Ottawa, ON K1H 7W9