Marina Wasilewski

Dr. Marina Wasilewski is a Scientist with the St. John’s Rehab Research Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, and an Assistant Professor, Status Only with the Department of Occupational Science & Occupational Therapy at the University of Toronto. Dr. Wasilewski’s program of research focuses on using social and peer support strategies to optimize the health and well-being of patients and families as they journey across the healthcare continuum. She has developed and evaluated peer support initiatives and has used co-design approaches to engage patients, families, and care providers in health research and service improvement. Dr. Wasilewski applies a patient- and family-centered lens to her work and enhances the relevancy of her research to important stakeholders by engaging multi-disciplinary collaborators.

Recent Publications

1. Wasilewski, MB; Nonoyama, ML.; Dale, C.; McKim, DA.; Road, J.; Leasa, D.; Goldstein, R.; Rose, L. Development & Pilot Evaluation of an Online Peer Support Program for Family Caregivers of Ventilator-Assisted Individuals Living in the Community. Journal of Medical Internet Research (JMIR) Protocols. 8(2):e11827. DOI: 10.2196/11827. Impact Factor 4.945. Lead Author.
2. Wasilewski, MB, Stinson, J. N., Webster, F., & Cameron, J. I. (2018). Using Twitter to recruit participants for health research: An example from a caregiving study. Health Informatics Journal. Online First. DOI: 10.1177/1460458218775158. Impact Factor 29. Lead Author.
3. Wasilewski, M.B.; Stinson, JN; Webster, F; Cameron, JI (2017). How does peer similarity influence adult children caregivers’ perceptions of support from peers? A mixed method study. Ageing & Society, 38(11): 2280-230 DOI:10.1017/S0144686X17000514. Impact Factor 1.895. Lead Author.
4. Wasilewski, M.B.; Stinson, JN; Cameron, JI (2017). Web-based health interventions for family caregivers of elderly individuals: A Scoping Review. International Journal of Medical Informatics. 103: 109-138. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2017.0009. Impact Factor 2.731. Lead Author.
5. Wasilewski, M. B., Webster, F., Stinson, J. N., & Cameron, J. I. (2016). Adult children caregivers' experiences with online and in-person peer support. Computers in Human Behavior, 65, 14-22. DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2016.08.001. Impact Factor 4.306. Lead Author
6. Shaw, J; Bastawrous, M*; Burns, S; McKay, S (2016). System issues leading to ‘found on floor’ incidents: A multi-incident analysis. Journal for Patient Safety. Online First: Nov 2, 201 DOI: 10.1097/PTS.0000000000000294. Impact Factor 2.683. Co-Author. (*Published under maiden surname)
7. Bastawrous, M; Gignac, MA; Kapral, M; Cameron, JI. (2015). Adult daughters providing post-stroke care to a parent: A qualitative study of the impact that role overload has on lifestyle, participation and family relationships. Clinical Rehabilitation. 29(6): 592-600. DOI: 10.1177/0269215514552035. Impact Factor 2.738. Lead Author.
8. Bastawrous, M; Gignac, M; Kapral, M; Cameron JI. (2015). Factors that contribute to adult children caregivers’ well-being: A Scoping Review. Health and Social Care in the Community. 23(5): 449-66. DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12144. Impact Factor 1.573. Lead Author.
9. Bastawrous, M; Gignac, MA; Kapral, M; Cameron, JI. (2014). Daughters providing poststroke care: Perspectives on the parent-to-child relationship and well-being. Qualitative Health Research. 24(11): 1527-3 DOI: 10.1177/1049732314548689. Impact Factor 3.030. Lead Author.
10. Bastawrous, M. (2013). Caregiver burden--a critical discussion. International Journal of Nursing Studies. 50(3): 431-41. DOI: 1016/j.ijnurstu.2012.10.005. Impact Factor 3.570. Sole Author.

Honours and Awards

2020 | Early Career Award
Alumni, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Distinction, Specialty: Rehabilitation)
This award is presented to alumni who have graduated in the past 10 years in recognition of contributions to voluntary service to the Rehabilitation Sciences Institute or the rehabilitation, healthcare, or scientific community.
Total Amount: non-monetary.                

2017-2019 | Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship
Postdoctoral Fellow, Mitacs, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, (Research Award, Specialty: Health Services and Rehabilitation)
Developed and evaluated an online peer support program for family caregivers of ventilator-assisted individuals living in the community.
Total Amount: $110,000 CAD

2016 | Student Leadership Award
PhD Trainee, Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Distinction, Specialty: Rehabilitation)
Departmental award recognizing leadership excellence by a trainee in the field of rehabilitation.
Total Amount: $200 CAD.

2015 | Team Excellence Award
PhD Trainee, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Distinction, Specialty: Rehabilitation)
Institutional award recognizing academic and leadership excellence in the field of rehabilitation.
Total Amount: $1000 CAD.

2013-2015 | Strategic Research Training Doctoral Fellowship in Health Care, Technology, & Place
Doctoral Trainee, Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Research Award, Specialty: Rehabilitation and Family Caregiving)
Investigated online and in-person peer support experiences amongst adult children caring for aging parents
Total Amount: $15,000