Healthcare-Associated Infection Research Network
The national priorities for healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) research were set out in the Department of Health (DH) Chief Medical Officer's report Winning Ways (DH 2003). Within this document the need was identified for a national network for HCAI research. In early 2006, the responsibility for managing this initiative was contracted to the Richard Wells Research Centre (RWR) at Thames Valley University (London) and the Department of Health's National HCAI Research Network (HCAI RN) was soon established.

The Network is directed by Professor Robert Pratt and supported by a group of senior research staff within RWR. The day to day management of the Network is undertaken by its Principal Research Officer, Alison Tingle. Professor David Edwards, the previous manager of the DH Antimicrobial Resistance Research Programme has joined the Network as their scientific advisor.

Key Aims of HCAI RN
The key aims of the Network are to contribute to the strategic development of the national research agenda in this field and support and manage DH funded HCAI-related research. Major projects funded through the Department's Policy Research Programme's call for research into the cost-effectiveness of interventions for the control of HCAI have also been managed and supported by the Network. These include a diverse range of studies such as those focusing on the role of managing the hospital environment, environmental decontamination, MRSA carriage in care home settings and modelling MRSA intervention policies. Details of research studies are available on the Research Projects page of the HCAI RN website.

National Research Priorities Advisory Group
An Advisory Board for the Network, The National Research Priorities Advisory Group (NRPAG) has also been established. Chaired by Professor Charles Easmon, Deputy Chairman of the Health Protection Agency Board, its primary function is to advise on national priorities for HCAI research.

Other Activities
In addition, the Network is currently developing plans to:

• Coordinate with other research funders to explore how best to bring relevant research into the managed Network

• Enhance research capacity and capability in this area (by providing relevant interdisciplinary research training and opportunities for methodological support and advice to HCAI researchers)

• Provide support to research groups for research governance and ethical approval processes.

The Network aims to act as a forum for encouraging high quality HCAI research to provide the best available evidence for practice and which effectively responds to the challenge of reducing HCAI throughout the National Health Service.
 

Click here to open a link to the HCAI RN website for further information.