Why Is Pediatric Clinical Research So Challenging?

Paediatric clinical research is a research done for finding effective treatments for ailments in children. Children are very different from adults, and they need different kinds of treatments and medications. However, while on one hand, there is clinical research done for every medication produced for adults before it comes into the market, almost 50-90% of medicines for children haven’t been tested for safety and efficacy! Isn't that very shocking and unbelievable?

As children differ in every way from adults in terms of characteristics, genetics, physiology, and much more, simply deducing from adult prescriptions for children is a very risky thing to do, with possible fatal consequences. Although conducting clinical research on children isn't easy, but it is absolutely necessary. Let us look at the challenges faced for conducting paediatric clinical research; and some ways in which they can be overcome.

To improve the quality and increase the quantity of paediatric clinical research, the World Health Organization has created its own International Clinical Trials Registry Platform that aims to improve research transparency, thus strengthening the validity and value of scientific evidence base by sharing the best practices. Although the research process for children is covered by stringent legislation, the difficulties faced and expenses involved in adhering to these complex frameworks are still present. The most common delays are caused due to regulatory and pharmaceutical issues, as researchers struggle to navigate the legal complexities.

Paediatric clinical trials are a very small size as compared to the adult clinical research segment. This is because clinical trials that involve children can be very dangerous. This is the reason why the recruitment of children for clinical trials is a very difficult job. Parents fear that they may cause any kind of harm to the child. Moreover, the childhood population is smaller and healthier as compared to the adult population. Then, there are also complex ethical issues associated with paediatric research studies.

This is why it becomes very difficult to identify suitable participants, and also the legal considerations of conducting paediatric clinical trials. Looking at all of this, regulations are being modified to make them simpler, so that the pool of research subjects can be expanded. However, the issue of parents not having their children involved in research is yet present. Getting their consent is a great challenge. We wouldn’t say that parents do not understand the need for clinical research, but it is certainly human to be concerned about the impact of a research on their children. This is why it is challenging to educate the parents and compel them into giving in confidently, understanding that the research with be conducted safely. For this, the communication done with the parents should be logically structured, and they must be given enough time to make decisions. With clear communication regarding the process, outcomes, and potential implications of participation, confidence of the parents can be boosted. Thus, clear and effective communication and transparency can reduce the likelihood of patients dropping out.

Whether it is paediatric clinical research or adult clinical research you with to have your career in, you need to enroll yourself with the right institute to avail the best quality clinical researchdiploma courses in Bangalore that can fetch you great jobs and a huge career. One institute is Avigna Clinical Research Institute where you have the opportunity to learn online from the most qualified professors right from the comfort of your home, without having to give up your current jobs and responsibilities.

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