Criteria for inclusion

Studies and one-time surveys that are accepted by the CPSP Scientific Steering Committee must meet the following evaluation criteria and align with priorities identified by the Canadian Paediatric Society and the Public Health Agency of Canada (or associated federal government bodies such as Health Canada).

Importance of the issue

  • Addresses an important public health and/or paediatric health issue
  • Demonstrates scientific merit, particularly in areas lacking current data

Potential for impact

  • Has the potential to inform clinical practice and/or public health policies or to raise awareness among paediatricians and paediatric subspecialists

CPSP appropriateness

  • Examines a rare disease/condition, a rare complication of a more common condition, or an emerging child and youth health issue (fewer than 500 cases per year)
  • Focuses on a disease/condition that is seen by paediatricians and/or paediatric subspecialists
  • Demonstrates why the CPSP is the most appropriate way to collect the data
  • Ensures that reporting will not make excessive demands on CPSP participants

Quality of proposal

  • Defines the rationale, methods, case definition, objectives, intended impact, limitations, plans for funding, statistical analysis, and knowledge translation
  • Includes a focused clinical study questionnaire (no longer than three pages) or survey tool (no longer than one page) that directly relates to the stated objectives

Strength of knowledge translation plan

  • Outlines a solid plan, including publication in the annual CPSP Results and in peer-reviewed journal(s) as well as presentations at national or international conferences
  • Shows how results will be communicated to key stakeholders

Strength of investigating team

  • Demonstrates a multidisciplinary, multi-centre team from across Canada
  • Shows that team members have appropriate experience and expertise (e.g., prior CPSP experience is beneficial)

Ethical considerations

  • Addresses ethical issues relating to patient privacy and confidentiality
  • Justifies the collection of any sensitive data elements (e.g., population groups, full date of birth, first three digits of postal code)
  • Considers and list any minority groups that may be disproportionately affected by the issue.

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