Research Consortium on Children with Chronic Conditions (RCCCC): A vehicle for interdisciplinary collaborative research

I. B. Pless, Ruth E.K. Stein, Deborah Klein Walker

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

To describe the evolution, accomplishments, and limitations of a research consortium after 25 years of existence. A narrative historical account supplemented by data documenting citations to all group papers. In 1980 the Research Consortium on Children with Chronic Conditions was established. Since then, we have met 2-3 times a year to discuss issues related to research and policies for children with special health care needs. We describe the origin of the Consortium, its operation, and some of its accomplishments, as well as the difficulties it encountered. Our interactions helped promote and sustain research on an emerging topic and did so in an interdisciplinary manner. We include a citation analysis suggesting that group papers published by Consortium members are reasonably well cited by others. We believe our work has been of value in developing influencing research, clinical practice, and policy. This paper is intended to serve as a guide for others who believe that this type of interaction can do much to promote an emerging field. However, it also highlights some of the difficulties in forging and maintaining a productive, research-focused relationship over an extended period of time. The most important lesson learned is that a small group of committed individuals able to meet on a regular basis can accelerate movement in a new field. However, unless stable funding can be secured, maintaining a consortium is truly challenging.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)9-19
Number of pages11
JournalMaternal and child health journal
Volume14
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2010

Keywords

  • Chronic conditions
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Knowledge transfer
  • Research consortium
  • Socio-emotional impacts
  • Special health care needs
  • Translational research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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