Decade of research begins to explore health and well-being of children in N.L.
More than 40,000 children born between 2013 and 2022 will be part of the BEACON study
Quality of Care N.L. is beginning a 10-year deep dive to better understand the health-care needs of children across Newfoundland and Labrador for future generations.
Dr. Leigh Anne Allwood Newhook, co-principal of the BEACON research study — which stands for Building an Enhanced Health and Social Care Future for Children and Youth in Newfoundland and Labrador — called the project a collective movement to turn evidence into action for the future.
"As a groundbreaking, longitudinal study, it will shine the light on the complex and pressing challenges facing our youngest generation," Allwood Newhook said Thursday.
The study will follow 40,000 children, born between Jan.1, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2022, for the next decade. Children born within that period are automatically enrolled in the study, according to the BEACON study website, but health and birth data used doesn't include identifying information.
The study is supported through the provincial government, Janeway children's hospital and the Max Bell Foundation and other partners, the website said.
Dr. Lynette Bowes, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and clinical chief of child health with Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, says the study comes at an important time.
Newfoundland and Labrador has the highest rate of children and youth with complex health needs in Canada, which translates to about 1.5 children for every 1,000.
Bowes said the situation is further complicated if a child has multiple medical conditions, developmental or mental health conditions or complex medical conditions like cancer.
"The underlying cause for that is not necessarily clear, but our ability to care for those patients certainly needs to be enhanced," Bowes said.
"Those kids are more vulnerable in terms of health-care needs and outcomes, and this study will help us identify what the gaps are so that we can develop new programming and pathways to care that are more equitable and proactive."
While the study will take a decade to complete, Bowes said updates will come in phases. She hopes that will allow more obvious observations to be reviewed or implemented sooner.
"I think the government has made an effort to listen to what our lived experiences are as child-health providers and I think they really are adjusting their approach to care for kids in Newfoundland."
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With files from Jenna Head
