Grant: Planning and Dissemination Grant - Institute Community Support

Corticosteroids are commonly used medications that can help control inflammation in people who are critically ill, such as those with severe infections or serious breathing problems. While some studies show that these medications can save lives, others show little or no benefit-and in some cases, they can cause harmful side effects like high blood sugar or infections. Doctors and researchers still don't agree on when to use corticosteroids, what type to use, or how to use them most effectively. To help answer these questions, we are organizing an international symposium in Toronto that will bring together doctors, scientists, and patient representatives from around the world. The goal is to review the latest research, identify gaps in knowledge, and plan future studies. By working together, we hope to improve the care of critically ill patients in Canada and globally, especially in areas where access to expensive treatments is limited. The meeting will also help ensure that research findings are shared quickly and clearly with healthcare providers, so patients can benefit sooner.