Network

The HCRN

PROVEN MODEL: Our network is based on proven organizational models of multi-center collaborative research.

Two models we studied are the Children’s Oncology Group (COG) and the Autism Treatment Network (ATN). The COG, comprised of over 200 member institutions, has, in the last 40 years, worked to improve the survival rates of childhood cancer from less than 10% to over 77%. And ATN is setting the gold standard for diagnosis, treatment, and care of autistic people in North America. We consulted with the leadership of both groups and adopted the best practices for supporting high-quality clinical studies.

HCRN Centers

Hospital
University
Role
Joined
University of Utah
Data Coordinating Center
2006
Primary Children’s Hospital
University of Utah
Coordinating and Participating Center
2006
Sick Kids
University of Toronto
Participating Center
2006
Children’s of Alabama
University of Alabama
Participating Center
2006
Texas Children’s Hospital
Baylor School of Medicine
Participating Center
2007
Seattle Children’s Hospital
University of Washington
Participating Center
2009
St. Louis Children’s Hospital
Washington Universtity
Participating Center
2010
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
University of Pittsburgh
Participating Center
2010
Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital
Vanderbilt University
Partipcating Center
2013
BC Children’s Hospital
University of British Columbia
Participating Center
2013
Alberta Children’s Hospital
University of Calgary
Participating Center
2016
Children’s Hospital Colorado
University of Colorado
Participating Center
2016
Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles
University of Southern California
Participating Center
2016
Johns Hopkins Hospital
Johns Hopkins University
Participating Center
2016
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Ohio State University
Participating Center
2016

Our model overcomes the obstacles of previous efforts to study the condition. The pilot HCRN organization will consist of a central data coordinating center, and four research centers at high-patient-volume pediatric hospitals in North America. Principal investigators at member institutions will each lead an important study that will hopefully yield results for improving hydrocephalus treatment. All centers will enroll eligible patients in all appropriate studies concurrently. Our model makes sure the studies are both adequately powered by sufficient sample sizes and appropriately staffed, while also ensuring data is collected quickly and professionally.