New research projects explore questions in Ontario’s child healthcare

Two pediatric research teams have been awarded $100,000 each to explore critical questions in children’s healthcare in Ontario. Through collaboration across clinical disciplines and with input from family advisors, the newly funded studies use innovative approaches to improve care for children and youth in different ways.  

Caring for kids who are hospitalized with pneumonia

Together, Dr. Jeffrey Pernica and Dr. Shamini Selvakumar will lead a study aimed at improving the care for children with pneumonia – the leading cause of hospitalization for kids in Ontario. A clinical trial at McMaster Children’s Hospital will explore if a novel blood test can identify children who should not get antibiotic treatment because their illness is viral. For kids who do receive the medication, the study will also help determine if a short-course treatment is as effective as longer-duration antibiotics. 

Understanding pediatric palliative care

Palliative care physician, Dr. Dave Lysecki understands that access to specialized palliative care services is essential for children with life-limiting conditions.  Unfortunately, these resources are either unavailable or under-resourced in many regions. Lysecki and his team will research the relationship between specialized pediatric palliative care resources and the healthcare usage and cost of children near the end of their lives.

About CoRE Builder Team Grants  

Both studies are supported by the Department of Pediatrics’ Collaborative Research Excellence (CoRE) Builder Team Grants and will be funded over the next two years. Established in 2022, and enabled by a philanthropic donation, the annual grants were created to inspire collaboration across pediatric clinical divisions and areas of research. This year, five clinical divisions are represented in the funded CoRE projects that will produce the pilot data and proof-of-concept needed to attract large-scale research investment from external sponsors.   

“It’s exciting for our department to make this important early investment in these exceptional collaborative projects. It’s a one-time, internal boost that accelerates research trajectory, which means the impact on children and families will happen faster,” said Dr. Angelo Mikrogianakis, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Chief of McMaster Children’s Hospital.

Last year’s CoRE-funded research projects continue to progress and focus on the transition from pediatric to adult care, cardiovascular health, and acute pain treatment.