What is the BEACON Study?

The BEACON Study (Building an Enhanced HeAlth and SoCial Care Future for Children and YOuth in NL) is a research study that looks at the health and well-being of children and youth in this province.

This is a cohort study looking to explore the epidemiology of “children at risk” in Newfoundland and Labrador. The cohort includes all babies born in Newfoundland and Labrador from January 1st, 2013, to December 31st, 2022, with approximately 40,000 children. “Children at risk” in the context of this study means children who are in alternate care with medical complexities and developmental or mental health conditions.

The findings from this study can then inform the policies, programs, and services related to health and social services for infants, children, and youth in this province.

Objectives

  • Compile a comprehensive birth dataset from multiple sources.
  • Study the sociodemographic and health outcomes of children born between 2013 and 2022.
  • Use knowledge translation to inform stakeholders about required services based on Health Accord NL principles.
Frequently Asked Questions

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Patient and Public Partner Advisory Council

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Children and Youth Logo Contest

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Meet the Co-Principal Investigators

Dr. Leigh Anne Allwood Newhook

Dr. Leigh Anne Allwood Newhook is a Pediatrician and Associate Professor of Pediatrics in the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University. Dr. Newhook’s clinical work includes general pediatrics and since 2019 she has been a pediatrician for the Children and Youth in Alternate Care (CAYAC) clinic. Dr. Newhook’s research has focused on topics such as infant feeding and nutrition, Type 1 diabetes, health needs of children and youth in alternate care, and pediatric mental health which has advanced local and provincial health care and services for families in Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a co-chair of the BEACON Study (Building an Enhanced HeAlth and SoCial Care Future for Children and YOuth in NL), and the Baby Friendly NL breastfeeding research working group. She has over 50 scientific publications and has mentored and supervised many research trainees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels.

Dr. Jo-Anna Hudson

Dr. Jo-Anna Hudson, MD, PhD, is a Neonatologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. At the Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre, she provides tertiary-level neonatal care for infants across Newfoundland and Labrador. Dr. Hudson’s research focuses on evidence-based neonatal care, encompassing clinical trials, systematic reviews, and quality improvement initiatives, including the development of clinical practice guidelines. She serves as the site investigator for multiple national collaborations, such as the Canadian Neonatal Network and the Canadian Preterm Birth Network. In addition to her research, Dr. Hudson is a co-chair of the BEACON Study (Building an Enhanced HeAlth and SoCial Care Future for Children and YOuth in NL). She has an extensive publication record and is passionate about mentoring both residents and undergraduate medical trainees to reach their research goals.

Quality of Care NL is providing research assistance and communications support to the BEACON Study. Please contact bevmorgan@mun.ca to learn more.