Pediatric Emergency Research Canada: Origins and Evolution

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Emergency Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Established in 1995, Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC) is a national network dedicated to advancing pediatric emergency medicine.
• The network aims to foster research, collaboration, and knowledge creation within the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the origins, growth, and progress of Pediatric Emergency Research Canada (PERC).
• To highlight PERC's contributions to the pediatric emergency medicine research agenda.

Main Methods:

• Describing the network's expansion to 15 tertiary pediatric emergency medicine sites across Canada.
• Detailing advancements in research areas such as gastroenteritis, bronchiolitis, asthma, and injury management.
• Summarizing increased attendance at PERC Annual Scientific meetings since 2004.

Main Results:

• PERC has secured over $33 million in grant funding and published 76 peer-reviewed articles.
• Network growth includes 15 active sites and a 400% increase in annual meeting attendance.
• PERC received a Top Achievement Award in Health Research in 2011.

Conclusions:

• PERC will continue to prioritize knowledge creation and mentorship for new investigators.
• The network aims to promote a pediatric emergency medicine research agenda through national collaboration.
• PERC will pursue high-quality, impactful research to improve outcomes for children with acute conditions globally.