Pediatric research in Spain: Challenges and opportunities

Area of Science:

• Pediatric research
• Child health
• Public healthcare system

Background:

• Pediatric research is vital for childhood disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
• Spain's pediatric research is underfunded and underrepresented compared to adult research and international standards.

Purpose of the Study:

• Identify barriers to pediatric research in Spain.
• Propose strategies for strengthening pediatric research and its integration into the public healthcare system.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the current state of pediatric research in Spain by the INVEST-AEP working group.
• Identification of barriers in funding, training, clinical workloads, and bureaucracy.
• Proposal of improvement strategies based on identified barriers.

Main Results:

• Key barriers: limited funding (5% of national grants), insufficient research training, heavy clinical workloads without protected research time, and poor collaborative networks.
• Challenges are more severe in primary care.
• Lack of recognition for research in career advancement and public position applications.

Conclusions:

• Urgent strategies required: increased investment, specialized training programs, and collaborative networks.
• Pediatricians should integrate clinical practice, teaching, and research.
• Collaboration among pediatricians, institutions, universities, and governments is essential to advance pediatric research and child health in Spain.