Message from the Chair of OPSYRIS Regarding COVID-19

Dr. Terry Quinn, chair of OPSYRIS, earlier in the year released this message regarding the troubling times of COVID-19. While the situation is always changing and varies from place to place, much of the message is still just as relevant today.

COVID-19 has fundamentally changed stroke care and stroke research.  My diary, which had been full of the usual mix of travel, grants, meetings is now a continuous block of clinical work – initially COVID and now stroke related again.  Its been a tough few months.

As we enter the next phase of the COVID response, and the novelty wears off, the clapping fades and the rainbows are taken down, I fear we are faced with an even tougher road to recovery.  Psychological research in stroke may be hit especially hard and I foresee something analogous to what I am seeing on the wards. The prognosis for many university departments, charity funders and specialist clinical services is, at best, uncertain. Without the necessary life-support, some of these groups may not survive.  

Now, more than ever, the stroke psychology community needs to come together.  If OPSYRIS can help, even in a small way to protect and encourage stroke psychology research, then I am keen that we do that. 

• In uncertain times, knowledge is power.  I am hearing about lots of innovative new ways of clinical and research working – why not share these with your colleagues through OPSYRIS. 
• Support and networking are really important at the moment. We can’t have an in-person annual meeting this year, but we shall set up a virtual meeting. 
• The academic job market is not going to get any kinder and so I am keen that OPSYRIS continues to bolster CVs, for example with our Rising Star award – nominations please. 
• We probably all have questionnaire fatigue, but if we don’t respond to these requests, we can’t be sure our voice will be heard – links to some relevant surveys below. 

These are my ideas for OPSYRIS in the time of COVID. I am sure you will have better ideas – let us know.

Stay safe,

Terry