🔬 Building a Research Network: The Power of Collaboration and Strategy

by Alice Braga, Ph.D. | Sleep Research Network

Establishing a well-defined research network is no small task – it requires a dedicated team of researchers, numerous meetings, and a shared vision to guide the process. One of the first key steps is recruiting like-minded researchers to form a task force that will develop a roadmap for building the network. Without a common goal, discussions can easily become bogged down in debates over minor details, delaying progress.

Meeting with leaders from established research networks is a valuable way to learn from their experiences—both their successes and challenges. For example, the SRN Task Force consulted networks like the Asthma Clinical Research Network and the Spanish Sleep Network to gain insights on structuring their organization and developing a feasible timeline. These established leaders provided crucial guidance, helping the task force build on a strong foundation rather than starting entirely from scratch.

🔹 Key Components of a Research Network:

  • Organizational Structure: Defining roles and responsibilities ensures smooth operations.
  • Funding Strategies: Developing sustainable funding plans is essential for the network’s long-term survival.
  • Community & Membership Growth: Engaging with researchers in the field increases exposure and encourages participation.

One increasingly powerful tool in modern research networks is the electronic health record (EHR) system. As healthcare becomes more digital, EHRs are transforming not only patient care but also research processes. They allow for efficient patient recruitment, using patient portals to directly reach out to potential study participants and increasing awareness of research opportunities. Additionally, EHRs make it easier to identify eligible participants by querying healthcare records for inclusion and exclusion criteria across different healthcare facilities.

🚧 Challenges to Consider:

While EHRs offer significant advantages, researchers must navigate certain challenges, including:

  • Data Quality Variability: Data comes from multiple sources, leading to inconsistencies and missing information.
  • Harmonization Efforts: Ensuring uniformity in data reporting across different providers is often complex but necessary.
  • Centralized Data Organization: Establishing a standardized system for collecting and managing data can improve accuracy but is difficult to maintain with diverse data sources.

Despite the challenges, building a research network is a rewarding and impactful endeavor. Though the process can be lengthy and meticulous, the end result not only supports individual researchers but also strengthens the entire field, leading to more efficient studies, broader collaboration, and meaningful scientific progress.

To learn more about the Sleep Research Network (SRN), contact Melissa McKinzie at coordinator@srsnet.org.