Question 1

What is informed consent?

Accepted Answer

Informed consent is where you are given all the necessary information about a study so you can make a knowledgeable/informed decision to take part or not. Click here for information about informed consent.

Question 2

What are the criteria for enroling in TARGet Kids!?

Accepted Answer

TARGet Kids! recruits families with children under 6 years of age who are healthy as reported by their parents. Children with asthma are eligible for the project as well.

Question 3

My child suffers from a chronic condition. Can he/she still participate?

Accepted Answer

If the chronic condition does not interfere with your child’s growth and development (e.g. asthma), they may participate.

Question 4

My child was born prematurely. Can he/she still participate?

Accepted Answer

Yes.

Question 5

How long are you planning on running this study? Until what age will my child be followed?

Accepted Answer

While TARGet Kids! has no official end date, we are aiming to follow-up children as long as they are attending their annual check-ups with their current physician and until they are adolescents.

Question 6

How long do I have to participate?

Accepted Answer

You and your children can participate for as long as you want to and are interested.

Question 7

How many children are in the study so far?

Accepted Answer

There over 11,000 participants enroled in TARGet Kids! so far. This is now the largest study of young Canadian children recruited through doctors’ offices.

Question 8

Is all the information confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all the information collected for TARGet Kids! is kept confidential. Any information that can identify you or your child (names, birth dates, addresses) are kept separate from the forms and both are kept in locked filing cabinets in a locked office.
 
Our data is managed and analyzed at the Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC) which is a full service, academic, clinical research coordination centre. Policies and procedures regarding the conduct of research are governed by the Government of Canada Panel on Research Ethics.

Question 9

Is my physician part of the research team?

Accepted Answer

If your physician is at one of our participating clinics and has agreed to participate in TARGet Kids!, then they are a part of the research team.

Question 10

Can you explain more about the blood sample that will be taken?

Accepted Answer

Blood samples will be taken by research assistants trained in taking blood from children. About 9-12 ml (less than 1 tablespoon) of blood will be taken. This is well within the acceptable amount for research purposes in this age group. The whole procedure usually takes about 5 minutes.
 
The blood will be transported and processed at Mount Sinai Services which provides state-of-the art laboratory services to researchers. Your child’s blood may be tested for iron, glucose, calcium, liver enzymes, among other things.

Question 11

Will my child have blood taken at every visit?

Accepted Answer

No. Depending on your child's age, a blood sample may not be taken at a particular visit.

Question 12

Will I get the blood work results?

Accepted Answer

All blood work results are sent directly to your child’s doctor for review. Parents will be contacted immediately if any results are out of normal range. If the blood work comes back normal, parents will not be contacted.

Question 13

Do we have to go to SickKids or elsewhere for the blood work or the follow ups?

Accepted Answer

No. All blood work and follow ups will occur at your child’s doctor's office during regularly scheduled visits.

Question 14

Is there anything I can apply for my child before blood work to ease the pain?

Accepted Answer

Topical anesthetic cream (EMLA or Ametop) is offered to minimize discomfort from blood collection.

Question 15

How long does it take to fill out the questionnaires?

Accepted Answer

The length of the questionnaires depends on your child’s age at the time of their visit and might take up to 45 minutes to complete.

Frequently Asked Questions