Structural features shared by ICUs belonging to research networks an international survey. "Critical care research network survey"

Abstract

Purpose: Major acute care research is conducted within critical care research networks (CCRN). Our aims were to describe CCRN and participating ICUs.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all CCRNs belonging to the International Forum of Acute Care Trialists. A network questionnaire was sent to CCRN directors and an ICU e-questionnaire was sent to participating ICUS.

Results: Survey was answered by 366 ICUs from 17 CCRNs (median response rate 21% [12-38]). CCRNs have different organizations (ownership, memberships, funding). The number of studies conducted, patients included and publications varied a lot across CCRNs. The collaboration with other research networks or health authorities was very frequent (n = 13, 76%). Most ICUs (n = 315; 86%) are located in large teaching hospitals in high income countries with a mean volume of 968 (842-1102 (95% CI)) annual admissions. The recognition at the academic level (n = 133; 70%), the collaboration with experts (n = 284; 85%), and improving practices (n = 286; 86%) are incentives reported to belong to a CCRN.

Conclusions: Despite different organizations, CCRN share similar ventures including the value of improving quality of critical care delivery. Participating ICUs share several structural and managerial patterns. These observations enlighten the importance of CCRN to enhance quality of critical care delivery.

Keywords: Critical care; Health services research; Organizations.