The Paediatric Intensive Care Unit has a strong commitment to clinical research and an active research programme that aims to translate research outcomes into sustainable improvements in clinical practice.

The research programme is led by Dr John Beca and supported by a full time Research Co-ordinator, Laura Whelan, and three part-time Research Nurses - Hannah Stapleton, Liddy Sanders and Miriam Rea.

The research programme has a strong neuro and respiratory focus.  Current research studies and initiatives include:

• Early prediction of Brain Damage after Cardiac Surgery in Infants

• Hypothermia in Traumatic Brain Injury in Children (HiTBIC)

• Hypothermia for Cardiac Arrest in Paediatrics

• Early Prediction of Brain Damage in Children with Acute Brain Injuries

• Cerebral Oxygenation Monitoring in Cardiac Surgery

• Peak Flow Study

• High Flow Study

In addition to the current projects, the PICU consultants and fellows have successfully completed several independent projects that have provided a strong foundation for the growth of clinical research within PICU.

Starship PICU is also an active member of the Australia and New Zealand Intensive Care Society (ANZICS) projects.  We are the lead centre for the first paediatric multicentre randomised control trial of hypothermia in traumatic brain injury (HiTBIC Study) which is endorsed by the Paediatric Study Group (PSG) of the ANZICS Clinical Trials Group (CTG).

If you would like to know more about the PICU Research Programme you can contact:

John Beca, Clinical Director - JohnBeca@adhb.govt.nz

Laura Whelan, Research Co-ordinator - LCWhelan@adhb.govt.nz

PICU Research Nurses - PICUResNurses@adhb.govt.nz

Related Links

CEBHA