Research dedicated to children: SwissPedNet with its international links overcomes key barriers to proper research in paediatrics.

P Wenger,U Frey,D Nadal

doi:10.4414/smw.2014.14006

Abstract

Conducting clinical studies in the paediatric population is complex and difficult. Paediatricians deal with a vulnerable population, which primarily needs protection and where patient numbers are always low. In addition, the pharmaceutical industry often demonstrates lack of interest due to the small and non-rewarding market. Public awareness for the need of paediatric research is likewise limited. This results in lack of funding for academic studies. In Switzerland, there is a new initiative that strives to overcome the given barriers and hurdles. SwissPedNet is still in a start-up phase, but it is now ready for all collaborations of interest and keen to work together with all stakeholders on the medical progress and improvement of paediatric clinical research with the overall goal of implementing evidence-based medicine for our children (www.swisspednet.ch).

Highlights

Progress in medical care is tightly linked to the translation of novel findings to the management of patients
SwissPedNet is still in a startup phase, but it is ready for all collaborations of interest and keen to work together with all stakeholders on the medical progress and improvement of paediatric clinical research with the overall goal of implementing evidencebased medicine for our children
It is true in paediatrics that rare diseases, congenital or acquired, often permit exceptional insights into pathophysiological mechanisms that apply to adult patients

Summary

Conducting clinical studies in the paediatric population is complex and difficult. Paediatricians deal with a vulnerable population, which primarily needs protection and where patient numbers are always low. The pharmaceutical industry often demonstrates lack of interest due to the small and non-rewarding market. Public awareness for the need of paediatric research is likewise limited. This results in lack of funding for academic studies. In Switzerland, there is a new initiative that strives to overcome the given barriers and hurdles. SwissPedNet is still in a startup phase, but it is ready for all collaborations of interest and keen to work together with all stakeholders on the medical progress and improvement of paediatric clinical research with the overall goal of implementing evidencebased medicine for our children (www.swisspednet.ch)

Introduction

Conclusion