Grant: Knowledge Translation Supplement

This proposed KT activity stems from knowledge gained from two completed CIHR-funded studies focused on the health of caregivers of children with health problems (2005-2007; MOP#77620; 2000-2003; MRC # MOP37905). The four specific objectives include: (a) to disseminate findings to a range of relevant stakeholder groups; (b) to obtain feedback from stakeholders about the relevance, immediacy, and applicability of findings; (c) to produce a brief fact sheet and more extensive summary report outlining major lessons from the meeting; and (d) to hear from stakeholders about the issues most pressing to them, which will inform future research. "A Dialogue on the Health of Caregivers of Children with Disabilities" is the title of this one-day workshop. We plan to engage both researchers and stakeholders (governmental and non-governmental organizations, practitioners, child caregiver advocates, and caregivers) in a discussion around major findings from our studies, and to learn from stakeholders about their high-priority issues, to inform future research. The program will consist of three parts: presentations from the research team, including an overview of the study, major findings, and implications for policy surrounding support and services for families of children with disabilities; facilitated interaction between researchers and stakeholders to obtain feedback and discuss the potential impact of the study findings; and a discussion and ranking of future areas of research to assist in determining recommendations for policy and practice as well as future priorities. Discussions will be incorporated into a fact sheet and a summary report that will serve as a concrete guides for putting recommendations into action, and a list of high priority, stakeholder-generated research questions.