The AQDC fulfilled its objectives in recent years through the following activities, among other things:

• Media representation in Quebec
• Participation at seminars
• Conferences
• Publications
• Participation in the RUIS
• Clinical research bursaries

Media representation in Quebec

Since the very beginning, the members of the AQDC board of directors have taken part in several interviews broadcast on radio and television or published in local newspapers and targeted journals, as the opportunities arose. Moreover, the AQDC has published advertising inserts and articles in the written media in Quebec.

Participation at seminars
 

The AQDC has also taken part in seminars organized by the Canadian Pain Coalition (2007 2009), the Société québécoise de la douleur (2005-2008), the Canadian Pain Society, as well as the first French-language symposium on pain (Colloque francophone sur la douleur - 2007).

Conferences

The AQDC has organized or taken part in conferences on pain every year, particularly during Semaine québécoise de la douleur du Québec. It also plays an active role in the Cafés scientifiques organized by the ACCORD programme.

Publications

The AQDC has prepared a text in cooperation with the managers of the Jean Coutu drug stores in Quebec, for the Jean Coutu Conseils d’ami (Friendly advice). This document is entitled “Vous souffrez de douleur chronique? Votre douleur est réelle – Saviez-vous que…” (“Do you suffer from chronic pain? Your pain is real – Did you know that…”) and can be found in all display units throughout the chain.
In 2010, the association published the brochure Zooming in on chronic pain (in French and English); it is available on the AQDC website.

Participation in the RUIS

Since 2008, the AQDC board members, representing the users, have attended meetings organized by the various groups that belong to the Réseau universitaire intégré pour la santé (RUIS) in order to take part in writing the first application for the certification of its chronic pain expertise centres; this includes the McGill University RUIS, the RUIS Université de Montréal, the RUIS Université de Sherbrooke and the RUIS Université Laval.

In 2010, the Quebec Minister of Health and Social Services signed designation letters for the four facilities that will form chronic pain expertise centres associated with the RUIS for the Université de Montréal, the Université Laval, the Université de Sherbrooke and McGill University.

Clinical research bursaries

In order to fulfil its mission, the AQDC promotes, among other things, clinical training for health professionals through an annual clinical training bursary programme. This programme offers study bursaries so that health professionals (physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, pharmacists or others) can perfect their knowledge in the field of pain.

By the end of 2009, the AQDC had granted 16 bursaries. Those interested in the programme can visit the Bursaries section on the AQDC website to obtain information about the procedures and the eligibility criteria for applying for a bursary.