TABLE 1:

Criteria for inclusion of studies in Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program

Rarity	Disorders must be of such low incidence or prevalence that national ascertainment of cases is needed (fewer than 1000 cases a year)
Public health importance	Proposal must clearly address a public health issue
Scientific importance	Proposal must be of demonstrated scientific interest and importance
Uniqueness	Proposal must demonstrate a clear need for data for a condition or disorder for which there is only limited information
Quality of proposal	Proposal must state clear and achievable objectives, practicability, patient confidentiality, adequate resourcing, clear questionnaire and method of evaluation
Workload of paediatricians	Steering committee must be convinced that reporting will not make excessive additional demands on the workload of paediatricians
Priority will be given to diseases that are not currently notifiable or, if notifiable, have sufficient indication of undernotification