National Placebo Initiative

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Contact: Policy Bureau Enquiries

Co-sponsored by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Health Canada

Placebo use in the context of standard or proven therapy has been the source of international debate for many years. The National Placebo Initiative (NPI), co-sponsored by Health Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), was launched in the fall of 2001 in order to develop a policy to define appropriate placebo use for Canada. The National Placebo Working Committee (NPWC) was struck under this Initiative, representing an expert group of major stakeholders, including the public and patient advocates. The NPWC has researched and discussed the placebo issue in an attempt to reach a consensus around recommendations regarding placebo policy for Canada.

There have been several opportunities for stakeholder and public involvement in this initiative. A national conference, focus groups, citizen deliberative dialogues, and an on-line public consultation have all taken place to date, as well as a stakeholder consultation on the Draft Report of the NPWC.

The Final Report of the NPWC was submitted to Health Canada and CIHR in July 2004.

This report, as well as other background documents and information relating to the National Placebo Initiative and its activities, can be found by using the following links to visit CIHR's National Placebo Initiative website:

•  Final Report of the National Placebo Working Committee
  http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/25139.html
•  Background Information
  http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/25139.html