abstract
- Medical science historically focuses on biomedical research about causes and treatment of disease. McMaster Child Health Research Institute (MCHRI), in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, takes a different approach to research about lifelong health in children with varied chronic conditions. Staff at MCHRI propose to develop research programs to help "children with complicated lives and their families" meet the challenges of growing up in the face of threats to their health and development in order to help both children and families reach their full potential. This "noncategorical approach" to health services research is timely for addressing chronic childhood illnesses and disabilities across the life span.