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Developing a framework for Swiss outpatient pediatric research network
Chantal Kuske1, Salvatore Maione2, Emiliano Soldini2
1Child Development Center, University Children's Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Insights
Establishing a nationwide pediatric research network in Switzerland requires addressing challenges like resources and funding. This framework aims to create a sustainable network for advancing pediatric healthcare research.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare Research
- Health Services Research
- Collaborative Networks
Background:
- Limited availability of pediatric outpatient data for research in Switzerland.
- Pilot projects demonstrated the value of collaborative research networks.
- Lack of a common framework for organizing, governing, operating, and funding such networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework for establishing a nationwide collaborative outpatient pediatric research network in Switzerland.
- To identify key elements for a sustainable and effective research network.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative approach utilizing individual interviews, a workshop, and a focus group.
- Involved pediatricians and other healthcare stakeholders.
- Explored motivations, retention strategies, barriers, challenges, and previous experiences.
Main Results:
- High interest and willingness from participants to join the network.
- Identified key challenges: time constraints, resource limitations, data management/IT infrastructure, and funding.
- Developed an outline for a three-step iterative implementation plan.
Conclusions:
- Emphasized critical elements for the long-term sustainability of a Swiss outpatient pediatric research network.
- The network represents a pivotal advancement for pediatric healthcare research in Switzerland.
Aims:
In Switzerland, availability of pediatric outpatient data for research is limited. Pilot projects showed the benefits of collaborative networks for research, but there is no common understanding on how to best organize, govern, operate and fund these. This project aimed at developing a framework for the establishment of a nationwide collaborative outpatient pediatric research network.
Methods:
Following a qualitative approach, we conducted individual interviews, a workshop and a focus group with pediatricians and other healthcare stakeholders to discuss various aspects related to the development of the research network, including motivations for participation, retention strategies, perceived barriers, expected challenges, and previous experiences.
Results:
Participants were interested and willing to join such a network and gave valuable inputs, but also emphasized important challenges, particularly time constraints/limited resources, data management/IT infrastructure and funding. These insights allowed developing the outline of a three-step iterative implementation plan.
Conclusions:
The project emphasized key elements to consider for the development of a Swiss outpatient pediatric research network sustainable in the long term, that would mark a pivotal advancement for pediatric healthcare research.
