Development and validation of the Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure.

Aim: To develop and validate a disease-specific parent proxy and child quality of life (QoL) measure for patients aged 2 to 18 years surviving cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT) and arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS).

Method: Utilizing qualitative and quantitative methods, we developed a 75-item Pediatric Stroke Quality of Life Measure (PSQLM) questionnaire. We mailed the PSQLM and a standardized generic QoL measure, Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), to 353 families.

Brain injury from a first nations' perspective: teachings from elders and traditional healers.

Background: There is a lack of knowledge about how cultural ideas affect First Nations peoples' perception of rehabilitation needs and the ability to access services.

Purpose: The study explored the perceptions of treating and healing brain injury from First Nations elders and traditional healers in the communities served by Wassay-Gezhig-Na-Nahn-Dah-We-lgamig (Kenora Area Health Access Centre).

Methods: A participatory action approach was used, leading to a focus group with elders and traditional healers.

From health care to home community: an Aboriginal community-based ABI transition strategy.

Primary Objective: To explore the barriers and enablers surrounding the transition from health care to home community settings for Aboriginal clients recovering from acquired brain injuries (ABI) in northwestern Ontario.

Research Design: Participatory research design using qualitative methods.

Methods: Focus groups conducted with clients with ABI, their caregivers and hospital and community health-care workers.