An International Asset Map of Clinicians, Educators, and Researchers Pursuing Better Medicine Use in Children: Initial Findings

Abstract

The world's 1.89 billion children (age 0-14) too frequently receive treatments that have not been validated through clinical pharmacology research, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Initial findings from an international asset map of professionals and clinician scientists available to address the needs for education, research, and treatment support suggest a critical shortage of clinical pharmacologists, clinical pharmacists, and other professionals with advanced training in the evaluation of therapies for childhood conditions and illnesses. A total of 497 individuals responded to a survey conducted between May 2015 and February 2016. An alarming signal is apparent showing that, while the overall resource pool is unquestionably limited, 87% of relevant qualified personnel are located in high-income countries. The data suggest an urgent need for targeted training in pediatric clinical pharmacology, with particular focus on the needs in Africa, Latin America, and most of Asia.

Adverse Drug Reactions in Children: The Double‐Edged Sword of Therapeutics

“…There is a great disparity between the geographic location of the world's children and a trained pediatric resource pool of specialists. The ratio of pediatric specialists to number of children in North America is greater than Europe, and even greater than throughout Latin America and Asia . Increased access to a trained pediatric resource pool of specialists can lead to increased and widespread use of evidence‐based clinical guidelines and therefore an added potential for ADRs.…”

Improving Medicine Use for Children: A Global Imperative

“…A central concern for those committed to improving the availability of validated medicinal therapies for children is the recognized inadequacy of human resources with essential training in research and educational methods required for study of both innovative and older therapies in children. In 2015 the International Alliance for Better Medicines for Children attempted to quantify human resources available worldwide in pediatric clinical pharmacology, clinical pharmacy, and related fields . Only 497 appropriately qualified individuals were identified, approximately one per four million children internationally.…”

Key Challenges in the Search for Innovative Drug Treatments for Special Populations. Converging Needs in Neonatology, Pediatrics, and Medical Genetics

“…Most of the necessary capacity is found in highly sophisticated and specialized hospitals located in countries with the highest levels of economic development. This maldistribution of infrastructure will continue to undermine efforts to bring modern innovative therapies to most of the world’s population unless an international integrated action plan is agreed and implemented [ 11 , 12 ].…”

“…Because the problem has gone unacknowledged, investment in training of key personnel who would be appropriately qualified to address the crisis has been limited. Two recent publications have addressed the worldwide shortfall in individuals qualified to study medicines in children [ 11 , 12 ]. While these studies focused on pediatrics, they did indicate an even more alarming shortfall in neonatology.…”

“…Never have the opportunities been greater than at present for pediatric pharmacologists to achieve treatment breakthroughs of lasting benefit for children building on recent progress [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. However, if such breakthroughs are to be achieved, a more carefully orchestrated approach and integration of expertise from diverse researchers and clinicians will be required [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”