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The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Evidence Review Project: Developing national
Pramod S Puligandla1, Erik D Skarsgard2
1Divisions of Pediatric General and Thoracic Surgery, Montreal Children's Hospital, Montreal, Quebec;
Insights
The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) identified practice and outcome variability in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) care across Canada. They are now developing national consensus guidelines to standardize best practices for CDH patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Clinical Research Networks
- Evidence-Based Practice
Background:
- The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) has collected population-based congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) data since 2005.
- Over 500 infants with CDH have been registered, highlighting critical knowledge gaps.
- Significant variability in CDH care practices and patient outcomes across Canadian perinatal sites has been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the value of clinical research networks in pediatric surgery.
- To describe the process for developing national consensus guidelines for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) care.
- To standardize best practices for CDH management from prenatal diagnosis to hospital discharge.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) method.
- Conducting a national, multidisciplinary effort to synthesize best available evidence.
- Establishing a framework for creating national consensus guidelines.
Main Results:
- CAPSNet has collected extensive population-based data on congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).
- Variability in CDH practice and outcomes across Canada has been identified.
- A national initiative is underway to standardize CDH care.
Conclusions:
- Clinical research networks are valuable for addressing knowledge gaps in pediatric surgery.
- Standardizing best practices through national consensus guidelines can improve CDH care.
- The CAPSNet initiative aims to reduce variability and improve outcomes for infants with CDH.
Abstract:
The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) has been collecting population-based data regarding congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) across its 17 perinatal sites since 2005. With >500 infants registered to date, CAPSNet has addressed many critical knowledge gaps pertaining to CDH care. Most importantly, it has identified variability in both CDH practice and outcome across Canada. Using the successful Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) method, CAPSNet is undertaking a national, multidisciplinary effort to standardize best practices for CDH, from prenatal diagnosis to hospital discharge, based on the best available evidence. The present article outlines the value of clinical research networks and the process CAPSNet will undertake to produce national consensus guidelines for CDH care.
