$1.2 million for preventing and managing chronic diseases in Quebec - The FRQS, MSSS and Pfizer announce funding for two chronic disease research projects

MONTREAL, March 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS), in partnership with the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services (MSSS) and the pharmaceutical company Pfizer Canada, announces the second series of projects chosen under the Pfizer-FRQS-MSSS Chronic Disease Fund.

Created thanks to an investment of $5 million from Pfizer Canada, this FRQS-coordinated research grant program is aimed at evaluating and funding chronic disease prevention and management initiatives, fostering, where appropriate, their implementation throughout Quebec, and making our healthcare system more efficient.

Two of the projects submitted were recommended for funding, namely, those of the CSSS de Chicoutimi and the CSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île. This announcement represents investments totalling more than $1.2 million over the next two years.

All the projects submitted to the Pfizer-FRQS-MSSS Chronic Disease Fund had to be in line with the Ministry of Health and Social Services' chronic disease goals, be primary-care initiatives for promoting the integration of chronic disease prevention and management, and focus on changing clinical practices. In accordance with the FRQS's current rules and procedures, the applications were examined by a scientific review committee consisting of experts from scientific and clinical settings.

Primary-care management of vulnerable chronic disease patients
Spearheaded by the CSSS de Chicoutimi and the CSSS Lac-Saint-Jean-Est in Alma, the first project, named V1SAGES, is aimed at implementing and evaluating a primary-care case-management and self-management intervention for highly vulnerable chronic disease patients. To this end, an intervention will be implemented in four family medicine groups (FMGs) in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. The intervention will involve nurse-led case management and self-management support meetings. This project will receive a grant of $624,972 over two years.

An integrated, primary-care chronic pain prevention and management network
The goal of the second project, headed by the CSSS de l'Ouest-de-l'Île, is to implement and evaluate an integrated, primary-care chronic pain prevention and management network. The objective is to expand an integrated, patient-centred, interdisciplinary program for the prevention and management of subacute low back pain in which the intensity of the intervention is tailored to the patient's health. More than 1200 patients will be followed on the territories of two Montreal CSSSs (Ouest-de-l'Île, Cavendish), one CSSS in Abitibi and one in the Montérégie. This project will receive a grant of $621,250 over two years.

"We're very happy to support these innovative projects, thanks to the collaboration of MSSS and Pfizer Canada. Chronic diseases pose a significant challenge to all of Quebec society. These unique projects, which include both a clinical component and an evaluative research component, are providing an opportunity to recognize and disseminate original chronic disease prevention and management initiatives throughout Quebec," says Dr. Renaldo Battista, Scientific Director of the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé.

"Pfizer Canada is firmly committed to discovering new ways to improve people's health and, as such, is proud to partner with the FRQS and MSSS to stimulate innovation and the sharing of good practices and tools created to facilitate primary care for Quebec's chronic disease patients," notes Dr. Bernard Prigent, Vice-President and Medical Director of Pfizer Canada.

About the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS)
The mission of the Fonds de la recherche du Québec - Santé (FRQS), which reports to the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, is to support health research in order to foster the wellness of Quebecers. Its mandate is to promote and financially support this research, to share knowledge and train researchers, as well as to establish partnerships necessary for the development of Quebec's research and innovation system and advance the research internationally. For additional information visit: www.frqs.gouv.qc.ca.

About Pfizer Canada Inc.
Pfizer Canada Inc. is the Canadian division of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Pfizer Canada is one of the largest contributors to health research in Canada. Pfizer's diversified healthcare portfolio includes human and animal biologics, small-molecule medicines and vaccines, nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products.

Every day, Pfizer Canada employees work to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything Pfizer does, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships, to our belief that it takes more than medication to be truly healthy. To learn more about Pfizer's More Than Medication philosophy and programs, visit morethanmedication.ca. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca.

SOURCE: Fonds de recherche du Québec - Santé

Michelle Dubuc
FRQS
514-873-2114, ext. 1235
[email protected] 

Julie-Catherine Racine
Pfizer Canada
1-866-973-4937
[email protected]