Building global collaborative research networks in paediatric critical care: a roadmap

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Paediatric Health
• Health Policy Research

Background:

• Paediatric critical care units serve vulnerable children, but evidence for practice and policy is limited.
• Existing research faces challenges including low patient numbers, developmental heterogeneity, and funding disparities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a strategic roadmap for international paediatric critical care trials.
• To guide the development of robust research infrastructure and collaborative networks.

Main Methods:

• Convened a multidisciplinary group of 32 international paediatric critical care experts.
• Identified key challenges hindering paediatric critical care research.
• Proposed a seven-point strategic roadmap for improving trial design and conduct.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified: low patient numbers, heterogeneity, consent issues, funding gaps, and infrastructure deficits.
• A seven-point roadmap was proposed, including network formation, toolkit development, data harmonization, and funder advocacy.
• The roadmap aims to facilitate the design and execution of trials for diverse paediatric populations.

Conclusions:

• Implementation of the proposed roadmap is essential for advancing paediatric critical care research.
• A collaborative, international approach is needed to overcome existing barriers.
• The roadmap provides a framework for conducting impactful trials to improve outcomes for critically ill children worldwide.