The National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions - Main Approaches

Surveys

The Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada are working in close collaboration on three of the surveys to be included as part of the study. These surveys are guided by the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions Survey Component Working Group. Descriptions of each survey are as follows:

  • The questions related to neurological conditions that were added to the Canadian Community Health Survey Annual Component - 2010 and 2011 Questionnaires will be used in two ways: to determine the number of people in Canada who are living with a neurological condition; and to identify individuals who have neurological conditions to participate in a follow-up Survey on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada.
  • The Survey on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada will ask questions about issues related to neurological conditions such as: diagnosis; medication use; social support; and the economic impact of having a condition. It will also seek the experiences of people affected by all of the 14 neurological conditions included in the study, as well as migraine headaches and stroke.
  • The Survey of Neurological Conditions in Institutions in Canada will collect data on the prevalence of several neurological conditions for persons residing in residential long-term care facilities. All of the 14 neurological conditions in addition to stroke are included in this survey. This and other information may be used to assess the needs for the provision of care for people with neurological conditions.

Funded projects

Approximately $8 million has been awarded for 14 contribution agreements, 13 of which are research projects that will fill gaps in knowledge surrounding neurological conditions and their impact on individuals, families, caregivers, and health care systems. The other contribution agreement is with Neurological Health Charities Canada for the coordination of the study, community engagement and dissemination.

Microsimulation modelling

Microsimulation models will be developed using the Statistics Canada Population Health Modelling framework. The models will project the future health and economic impacts of key neurological conditions over the next 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.

Input for the models will be based on new information generated by research projects and surveys included in the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions; also, Statistics Canada and Public Health Agency of Canada data holdings will inform the models. This work is being guided by the National Population Health Study of Neurological Conditions Working Group on Health and Economic Modeling of Neurological Conditions.

Synthesis process

Upon the completion of the Canadian Community Health Survey, Survey on Living with Neurological Conditions in Canada, Survey of Neurological Conditions in Institutions in Canada, funded research projects and microsimulation models, all study results will be synthesized through a consultative process with stakeholders. This process will produce a final report to the Minister, expected in 2014.

The findings will be shared across the country by Neurological Health Charities Canada.

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