Frontiers of Inflammatory Joint Diseases May 7, 2004 Consumer program May 8-9, 2004 Scientific meeting Toronto, Ontario   Inflammatory Joint Diseases (IJDs) are a heterogeneous group of disorders which includes rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Participants

There were 160 delegates representing over 30 national stakeholder groups including consumers and patient/public advocates, industry; other voluntary organizations and NGO’s, government, professional associations, and international partners.

Objectives

• consult with consumers, policy makers, public agencies, national and international researchers and industry regarding priority national research themes that can lead to improved identification, understanding and management, particularly of early arthritis;
• to educate multiple stakeholders on the scope of current research in inflammatory joint diseases in Canada and globally;
• to develop the Canadian research agenda in inflammatory joint diseases; and,
• to identify the unique qualities, opportunities and resources that offer Canada a strategic niche in the global scene of arthritis research.

Research Priorities and Questions

The stakeholders identified (6) of research questions to better define the disease, identify its cause and cures and improve the care of IJD patients.

1. What genetic and environmental factors play a role in the initiation of IJD, and what tools e.g. clinical, laboratory and imaging, can characterize IJD early, monitor and predict outcomes?
2. What is the basis of the pathogenesis of early and established IJD, and how can this be effectively applied to new drug targets and screening tools?
3. How do people make decisions regarding IJD treatment and management options?
4. How can we optimize access to, and delivery of, diagnostic, therapeutic and other health care services to individuals with IJD?
5. What models of knowledge translation and exchange best communicate research development and outcomes across the broad spectrum of arthritis stakeholders?
6. How can we better understand and reduce the psychosocial and economic burden of IJD?

Co-sponsors

• Canadian Arthritis Network (CAN)
• Canadian Institute of Health Research’s Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA)
• Canadian Institute of Health Research’s Institute of Infection and Immunity (III)
• The Arthritis Society (TAS)

Research Funding