Co-Principal Investigators: Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE and Polly Livermore, PhD
Funded by: Unfunded
Study Goals: To investigate the support needs of caregivers of children with rheumatological conditions and how these could be improved upon. To understand and compare similarities and differences between UK and Canadian families.
Description: This study will conduct 5 virtual focus groups with caregivers of children and young people diagnosed with rheumatological conditions. There will be approximately 50 caregivers recruited from SickKids. These groups will explore variations in care received, behavioural support mechanisms and access, and wants/requests.
Impact: Addressing child and adolescent mental health is essential to achieving positive, overall well-being. However, despite two thirds of paediatric rheumatological conditions persisting into adulthood and having ongoing societal implications from the psychosocial ramifications of chronic disease, there is limited research into this underserved population. Moreover, support for caregivers of children and young people with rheumatological conditions is often not available. This opportunity to collaborate upon groundbreaking research in both world-renowned centres will have both societal and academic impact.