[Why nurses fly and surgeons rotate. The surgical study network CHIR-Net]

Area of Science:

• Surgical research methodology
• Clinical trial design and implementation
• Evidence-based medicine in surgery

Context:

• The German National Surgical Trial Network (CHIR-Net), funded by the BMBF, comprises eight regional surgical centers.
• CHIR-Net aims to design, implement, and publish prospective, randomized, multicenter trials.
• Key programs include the surgeon on rotation and flying study nurse initiatives to support surgical hospitals.

Purpose:

• To present the surgeon on rotation and flying study nurse programs descriptively.
• To report experiences from participants in these CHIR-Net programs.
• To evaluate the needs and requirements of regional surgical hospitals for trial support.

Summary:

• The surgeon on rotation program equips investigators with clinical trial design and implementation skills.
• The flying study nurse program provides flexible infrastructural support, particularly for non-university hospitals.
• Evaluations and field reports confirm the success and positive impact of these programs.

Impact:

• CHIR-Net cultivates a high-quality study culture in German surgery.
• These programs empower surgical hospitals to conduct their own studies and participate in multicenter trials.
• The continuation of CHIR-Net is crucial for advancing evidence-based surgical practices.