The report on Best Practices for Health Research Involving Children and Adolescents was first published in 2009 and was re-released in March 2011for further focused consultation before final publication. The analysis presented in this document extends the guidance available in Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 on ethical conduct of research, with a view to helping researchers and research ethics boards establish a common vision for reviewing pediatric research protocols. It incorporates analyses of national and international norms and standards for ethical engagement with children, adolescents and their families involved in health research. It also explores specific issues in longitudinal research, genomic research, palliative care research and novel therapies in the paediatric context. 

As part of the final consultation process, and at the request of CIHR, The Hospital for Sick Children has convened a meeting and invited other Pediatric Centres to join in person or by video link.  For those at McMaster we have arranged a video link to the meeting at Sick Kids that will take place in HSC 4E20. We encourage all investigators, health practitioners involved in research, research administrators, research coordinators, REB members, and research trainees involved in clinical research in children and adolescents to attend.

The Consultation Meeting for the Report will take place on June 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. by video link in HSC-4E20.

The March 2011 revised document can be accessed at: Best Practices For Health Research Involving Children And Adolescents

Potential revisions to the report are to be structured according to the attached document. It would be advisable to review this material prior to attending the consultation meeting on June 2nd.

If you have any questions please contact Dr. Stephanie Atkinson (satkins@mcmaster.ca).

Please click Best Practices for Health Research Involving Children and Adolescents: Genetic, Pharmaceutical, Longitudinal Studies and Palliative Care Research