1. Building a network for multicenter, prospective research of central nervous system infections in South America: Process and lessons learned
- Author
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M. Stiglich, Iván O. Espinoza, G. Ramirez, R. Romero, Thanh G.N. Ton, I. Reyes, A. Romero, Drake H. Tilley, M. Rozas, A. Delgado, Patricio R. Munoz, J. Celis, M. Rivas, A. Peralta, Christina A. Nelson, Jaime Soria, Eduardo Ticona, Tadeusz J. Kochel, Joseph R. Zunt, V. Celis, Nicanor Mori, E. Sanchez, N. Tam, M. Tipismana, G. Donayre, L. Vasquez, N. Gadea, D. Huanca, and M. Sihuincha
- Subjects
business.industry ,Process (engineering) ,Epidemiology ,030231 tropical medicine ,Sporadic occurrence ,Capacity building ,Herpes simplex virus ,medicine.disease ,lcsh:RC346-429 ,3. Good health ,Variety (cybernetics) ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Neurology ,Special Section on Methods and Measurement ,Edited by Ana Claire Meyer ,Virology ,Medicine ,Encephalitis ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Medical emergency ,Prospective research ,Clinical care ,business ,lcsh:Neurology. Diseases of the nervous system ,Central nervous system infections - Abstract
Multicenter collaborative networks are essential for advancing research and improving clinical care for a variety of conditions. Research networks are particularly important for central nervous system infections, which remain difficult to study due to their sporadic occurrence and requirement for collection and testing of cerebrospinal fluid. Establishment of long-term research networks in resource-limited areas also facilitates diagnostic capacity building, surveillance for emerging pathogens, and provision of appropriate treatment where needed. We review our experience developing a research network for encephalitis among twelve hospitals in five Peruvian cities since 2009. We provide practical suggestions to aid other groups interested in advancing research on central nervous system infections in resource-limited areas., Highlights • This report provides a comprehensive review of implementing a research network at twelve hospitals in five Peruvian cities. • The network helped build testing capacity, provide education about clinical procedures, and gather data about CNS infections. • Lessons learned offer guidance to others wishing to build similar networks for CNS infections or other unrelated disorders.
- Published
- 2018