Principal Investigator: Andrea Knight, MD, MSCE
Co-Principal Investigator: Michelle Batthish, MD
Funded by: Canadian Institution of Health Research (CIHR)
Study Goals: To perform an environmental scan of current mental health care practices, patient, family, and healthcare provider experiences, and gaps in pediatric rheumatology, followed by the development of a nationally prioritized research agenda to guide future work.
Description: This study aims to create a national strategy to improve mental health care and research for children and youth with rheumatologic conditions in Canada. Working with patients, families, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, the project will identify gaps in current care and prioritize the most pressing research questions. Insights from surveys and collaborative workshops will guide the development of a national research agenda to better support mental health for youth with rheumatologic diseases.
Impact: This study will guide national efforts to improve mental health care for youth with rheumatologic diseases, helping to close care gaps, prioritize research, and support better overall health and well-being for children and adolescents across Canada.