Childhood Arthritis Survey Results: We asked and you responded

In March 2006, a survey was sent to the CAPA membership to determine issues of importance. The survey results have been tabulated. You’ve spoken, we’ve listened and with the year coming to a close, the Childhood Arthritis Committee would like to share the survey results with you and the direction the committee will take in 2007

The survey was divided into major themes – access to medications and research, peer support needs, education needs, awareness and access to health care professionals.

Under access to health care professionals, limited access to pediatric rheumatologists was ranked as the most important issue facing children and their families. Second and similar to the concerns of adults with arthritis, provincial coverage and payment of medications was of critical importance. Primary care physician knowledge of childhood arthritis was also rated as an important issue. In addition, and given that education forms the groundwork for the development of all children, it was not surprising to learn that teacher awareness of Childhood Arthritis was identified as a problem and critical issue. The need for child friendly education material was also identified.

While these are the priorities, other areas requiring attention are the length of time it takes for Canadian approval of the newest medications and the need for child/family support activities.

CAPA's Childhood Arthritis committee has set an ambitious agenda for 2007. These survey results laid the groundwork for establishing the committee's priorities. These priorities include further outreach and advocacy with regard to peer support, outreach with schools across Canada, providing available educational information to families and further researching the root problems of accessing pediatric rheumatologists.

The Childhood Arthritis Committee welcomes your feedback and, if you have the time, invites you to become more actively involved. Please e-mail me at laurie.proulx@sympatico.ca - I’d love to hear from you!