Grant: Dissemination Events - PA: Musculoskeletal Hlth, Arthritis, Skin & Oral Health

Osteoporosis (bone fragility) is increasingly recognized among Canadian youth as a potentially debilitating consequence of chronic childhood illness. We have completed the first phase of a CIHR-funded research project called the STeroid-associated Osteoporosis in the Pediatric Population-1 (STOPP-1) research program, which involved 3 years of bone health natural history assessment in 400 children with leukemia, rheumatic conditions and nephrotic syndrome. As a result, we have been successful in determining the frequency of osteoporosis in this context, the relationship between key clinical factors such as bone mineral density and vertebral fractures, and the potential for spontaneous recovery from osteoporosis through bone growth. Our next goal is to use the data arising from the completed STOPP-1 program to formulate a detailed action plan for the development and dissemination of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines addressing the early detection and monitoring of osteoporosis in children with chronic illnesses. More specifically, in this initiative we will: a) Summarize the data arising from the STOPP-1 program with key knowledge users from across the country, b) Formulate a detailed action plan that defines the steps and timelines for the future development of clinical practice guidelines. As part of this action plan, we will also develop an approach to creation of strategies for dissemination of such guidelines to those involved in the care of children with chronic illness-associated osteoporosis, and c) Build partnerships with related patient advocacy groups and families of patients, to facilitate the information translation and dissemination process. With the knowledge created through the STOPP-1 program, the participants in this initiative are now well-poised to formulate strategies for the development and dissemination of policies to enhance the delivery of bone health care to children with serious diseases living in Canada.