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