title: Caring for caregivers of high-needs children.
abstract: The Caregiver Framework for Children with Medical Complexity, led by the Hospital for Sick Children, is a ground-breaking initiative that validates and supports the vital role of unpaid, family caregivers. The project uses a supported self-management model that includes a modest amount of funding to address pressing needs, and relies on Key Workers who provide ongoing education, counselling and care management to assist caregivers in planning over the longer-term. This paper describes the findings from a multi-stage, mixed-methods evaluation to examine the design and outcomes of the Caregiver Framework.
authors.affiliation: Research associate, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, the University of Toronto. Her area of specialization is on the intersection of formal and informal care in the home and community care context.
authors.forename: Allie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Peckham
authors.affiliation: Associate professor, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Ryerson University. Karen is a nurse researcher who specializes in paediatric care for children with complex needs.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Spalding
authors.affiliation: Research associate, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, the University of Toronto. Her research involves studying the social exclusion of LGBT seniors and their use of home and community care services.
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Watkins
authors.affiliation: Director of Strategic Projects at the Hospital for Sick Children.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bruce-Barrett
authors.affiliation: Administrative coordinator of Corporate Strategy and Performance at the Hospital for Sick Children.
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grasic
authors.affiliation: Professor, Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, the University of Toronto. Paul specializes in research related to integrated care for older persons.
authors.forename: A Paul
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D017028:Caregivers / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology; D019090:Case Management; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology