The research project
Aire ouverte's evaluative research project tracks how the network's practices unfold across Quebec.
It looks at how the program is being implemented and evaluates its early results. Data collection and analysis aim to strengthen team capacity, support best practices, and improve the quality of services offered to young people.
Who's behind the research project?
Co-led by Martin Goyette of the École nationale d'administration publique and Srividya Iyer of McGill University, the project brings together over thirty co-researchers from across Quebec, spanning disciplines from social work to psychiatry.
Their team includes over 50 people from diverse backgrounds. Youth, families, professionals, community and academic partners, along with Santé Québec and the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux work together toward an integrated, cross-sectoral, and participatory research approach.
What is Aire ouverte?
Aire ouverte is a model of integrated, whole-person health services designed for young people aged 12 to 25.
An interdisciplinary team — social workers, and physical, mental, and sexual health professionals — offers a simple, welcoming environment with no unnecessary barriers. Everything is designed with and for young people, to provide fast access to care and services, particularly for those hesitant to seek out traditional resources or navigating vulnerable circumstances.
What are Aire ouverte's core principles?
The model is grounded in proximity-based practices.
Aire ouverte puts young people at the heart of its services, involving them in decision-making and working alongside them to shape an approach that's accessible, flexible, and inclusive. The model relies on co-design and partnerships to build an integrated network and guide each young individual toward the resources best suited for them. It takes a holistic approach to health, centered on young people's strengths and on continuity between youth and adult services.
What is the AIRE methodology?
Co-led by Martin Goyette of the École nationale d'administration publique and Srividya Iyer of McGill University, the project brings together over thirty co-researchers from across Quebec, spanning disciplines from social work to psychiatry.
Their team includes over 50 people from diverse backgrounds. Youth, families, professionals, community and academic partners, along with Santé Québec and the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux work together toward an integrated, cross-sectoral, and participatory research approach.
Our approach
In a Learning Health System, every experience and every area of expertise feeds into research, which then guides action to adapt care and services in real time.
The research project's objectives
What are we trying to find out through this project?
Youth needs
Who makes up Quebec's youth population?
What are their needs?
The offering
What services, activities, and programs are being offered?
How are they organized?
Implementation
How are services, activities, and programs being rolled out?
Utilization
Are the services, activities, and programs accessible to all youth?
Are certain demographics underrepresented?
Experience
How do young people and their families experience these services, activities, and programs?
What factors support their engagement and continuity of follow-up care?
Impact
What effects do these services, activities, and programs have on the wellbeing and participation of young people, families, and communities?
Aire ouverte community
FRONT-LINE WORKERS
RESEARCHERS
PEER SUPPORT WORKERS
PARTNERS
DECISION-MAKERS
YOUNG PEOPLE
MANAGERS / SAC
LOVED ONES
Governance
Governance of the provincial evaluation project is designed to be inclusive, drawing on the perspectives of all stakeholders.
Our core team brings together researchers, young people, and a family member, with decisions made by consensus. This team ensures the project's various components and working groups are aligned with one another.
Committees
To support collaborative governance and a coordinated approach to its work, the AIRE project is structured around several complementary committees and working groups. Currently, five working groups are in place.
Learning Health System Committee
Scientific Committee (Co-researchers)
Youth Committee
Knowledge Mobilization and Capacity Building Committee