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 - Claire Sherring, and two part-time Research Nurses - Miriam Rea and Tracey Bushell.

The research programme has a strong neurology and respiratory focus and a current study involves the implementation of an early warning scoring system in Starship wards.  Other research studies and initiatives include:

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

• Pediasat - Comparison of Intermittent and Continuous Measurement of Systemic Venous Oxygenation in Children

• Post NHF Study - Prospective Observational Study of Nasal High Flow Practice

• Nasal Sizing Study

• Peak Flow Study

• EPOCH Study - evaluating processes of care and outcomes of children in hospital

• NEAR4KIDS - Emergency Airway Registry for Children.
  The data collection form is available for those within ADHB

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 were the lead centre for the first paediatric multicentre randomised control trial of hypothermia in traumatic brain injury (HiTBIC Study) which was endorsed by the Paediatric Study Group (PSG) of the ANZICS Clinical Trials Group (CTG). Starship PICU is also involved in other multi-centre international collaborations.

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

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

Claire Sherring, Research Co-ordinator - ClaireSh@adhb.govt.nz

PICU Research Nurses - PICUResNurses@adhb.govt.nz