Pediatric clinical research networks: current status, common challenges, and potential solutions

Area of Science:

• Pediatric health services research
• Clinical network science

Background:

• Pediatric clinical research networks (PCRNs) are crucial for advancing child health.
• Understanding the landscape, strengths, and potential of these networks is vital for effective research.
• Existing networks vary in focus, including specialty, primary, and disease-specific care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and characterize PCRNs in the US and Canada.
• To identify strengths, weaknesses, and collaboration potential among PCRNs.
• To assess untapped interest in PCRN participation among practitioners.

Main Methods:

• Conducted an internet search and utilized word-of-mouth for initial PCRN identification.
• Administered surveys to PCRN leaders and conducted in-depth telephone interviews.
• Surveyed American Academy of Pediatrics specialty leaders on potential research involvement.

Main Results:

• Identified 70 pediatric networks, predominantly specialty care (50%).
• Approximately 90% of networks reported infrastructure funding, and 75% viewed cross-network collaboration positively.
• Up to 30% of non-participating practitioners expressed potential interest in research involvement.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric networks span the continuum of care.
• A substantial pool of uninvolved practitioners is potentially interested in PCRN engagement.
• Network leaders recognize significant benefits from inter-network collaboration.