Research in PICU
The Starship 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 Research Co-ordinator - Claire Sherring, and one Research Nurse - Miriam Rea.
The research programme has a strong acute brain injury and respiratory focus. Some studies and initiatives include:
Brainwaves - Early Prediction of Brain Damage in Children with Acute Brain Injuries
Adapt - Approaches and decisions in acute paediatric Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
DAB - Dexamethasone and adrenaline in bronchiolitis
Hearts & Minds at school - a 6 year follow up after cardiac surgery
Shivers - Surveillance project looking at the impact of the flu
Various respiratory studies and projects evaluating product development
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) clinical trials group (CTG). 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 section of the ANZICS 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 Nurse - PICUResNurses@adhb.govt.nz