CRAJ Winter 2021

Winter 2021 (Volume 31, Number 4)

Survey Results: CIORA

The Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology cAre (CIORA) is a unique granting division of the CRA committed to being a catalyst for improving the care of Canadians living with all rheumatic diseases.

For this issue’s Joint Count, the CRA surveyed its members regarding their perspectives on CIORA, its structure, and potential areas of focus to reflect the current gaps and needs in rheumatology in Canada. A total of 93 responses were received, equating to a response rate of 17% (97/578).

As it currently stands, CIORA’s grant program supports sustainable projects related to rheumatic diseases that promote the following (also known as pillars): (1) awareness/advocacy/education (health economics/sustainability of health care/quality improvement); (2) early access for rheumatic disease patients; (3) multi-disciplinary care teams; and more recently (4) community rheumatology.

When asked if they would be in favour of removing the CIORA pillars and simply promoting excellence in clinical research, 82% of respondents were in favor of removing the pillars (see Chart 1). One member commented that CIORA has become a major funder of rheumatology research, so the focus should be on excellence. Another said, “I say yes, but I think the question is why were the pillars established to begin with (e.g. was it to fill a gap or promote research areas that were less represented but felt to be important)? It's hard to answer this question without understanding the background of the pillars.”

Members were also asked whether CIORA should have research grants in priority areas (e.g., cannabis research, COVID, Indigenous health, etc.). Half of the survey-takers said no, while 21% said yes and 29% were unsure (see Chart 2). Those who responded affirmatively suggested priority topics such as pediatrics; pregnancy and rheumatic disease; treatment interventions and effects on function/daily life; research focused on marginalized or under-served populations (e.g., Indigenous communities, recent immigrants, transgender persons); equity, diversity, and inclusion; COVID-19;and telemedicine.

Most respondents (75%) confirmed that they are aware that all CRA members including community rheumatologists can apply for a CIORA grant, that there are reserved funds for grants to community rheumatologists, and that there is support available on how to write a grant. Approximately, 37% of survey-takers said that they had already submitted a CIORA grant. Those who hadn’t submitted a grant stated that they had not done so due to time constraints or that research wasn’t a priority focus for them at the present time; a few explained that they were still in the early stages of their careers, and others said that they would be interested in submitting in the future.

For any questions or feedback regarding CIORA, write to Virginia Hopkins at vhopkins@rheum.ca, and to find out more about CIORA, visit rheum.ca/ciora/.