Challenges and potential in research in pediatric critical care

Abstract

Little research, both in terms of quantity and quality, has been published in the field of pediatric critical care medicine as compared with that in the fields of neonatal and adult critical care medicine. This is due to patient heterogeneity, rarity, and ethical constraints, for example, in decision-making, growth and developmental considerations, and surrogate involvement in pediatric patients. Additionally, there is also a lack of research resources and support, including research grants. In addition, the mindset of pediatric intensivists towards research is also thought to be an important factor. Since its inception, the focus of education and scholarly activity in this field has been on the distribution and sharing of knowledge and experience, and creation of new knowledge is a relatively minor activity. Physicians, as specialists, should recognize academic activities as part of the standard of care and contribute to academic maturation of the field. The potential for future pediatric critical care medicine research will be described, focusing on data utilization and artificial intelligence, the practice of multicenter and international collaborative research, and the challenges and solutions in planning issues with sustainable medicine in mind.