Preterm Clinical Network Database v.2
Research type
Research Database
IRAS ID
308157
Contact name
Andrew Shennan
Contact email
Research summary
Preterm Clinical Network Database
REC name
East of Scotland Research Ethics Service REC 2
REC reference
22/ES/0001
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jan 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion
Data collection arrangements
The PCN Database is a dedicated database for storing information about the risk factors, clinical care, interventions and outcomes of women at risk of preterm birth. This information is already collected on local Trust manual and electronic clinical records systems, but the PCN Database provides a standardized and systematic method of data collection that will allow special preterm teams to audit their own practice, with the added facility for combining data for shared audit/service evaluation and research. It also acts as a register of potential participants for future preterm birth research studies.
Research programme
The UK Preterm Clinical Network (UKPCN) is a network of doctors, midwives and researchers who are working to prevent the problems associated with preterm birth. This work includes the monitoring of women at risk and offering interventions to both prevent premature labour and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth if it cannot be prevented. Despite much research effort, there is a lack of conclusive evidence in this field of medicine and there are few national guidelines on the most effective clinical care for women at risk of preterm birth. The result is that the monitoring and interventions offered varies considerably around the UK and depends on local maternity care provision. This database facilitates projects that will lead to a better understanding of effectiveness of current surveillance practices and preterm birth prevention strategies on a national and, potentially, international scale, as well as the generation of ideas for innovation and research. It will also enhance communication and collaboration between clinicians working in this area.
Research database title
Preterm Clinical Network Database
Establishment organisation
King's College London
Establishment organisation address
Department of Women and Children's Health
10th Floor, North Wing, St Thomas' Hospital
London
SE1 7EH