About the Project

The Resident Assessment Instrument Research User Network (RAIRESUN) is a new network established to build on existing efforts to increase the dissemination and implementation of evidence based research in continuing care. The network is being established to link front line workers and decision makers using RAI with researchers interested in RAI development and use. In the long term, RAIRESUN will build community infrastructure by engaging its members in common activities and interests and supporting natural connections between researchers and practitioners. The focus of the network will be to develop ongoing funding sources, build capacity in the continuing care sector in both research and care delivery, and focus on optimizing use of RAI data for improving the quality of care and quality of life for residents in continuing care settings. The network combines all levels of the continuing care spectrum allowing for knowledge sharing among providers and the opportunity to accelerate the learning process.

The objectives of this network are:

• To sustain and build interactions between RAI end-users and researchers.

• To provide meaningful opportunities for knowledge exchange between providers from a wide variety of organizations using and interested in RAI tools and researchers interested in RAI data and tools.

• To develop creative and innovative approaches to the use of RAI across the continuing care continuum to improve the quality of care and quality of life of long term care residents.