Research and Evidence team

We coordinate research activity and works across the College to ensure that outputs are evidence-based and their impact is appropriately evaluated. We develop guidelines, and support members and specialist groups with guideline development, and produce child protection evidence reviews.

We work internally and externally to promote child health research, influence key bodies to fund and carry out more high quality child health research and support staff, our membership and wider child health professionals to design, deliver and disseminate research. We want to increase paediatric research capacity and ensure that all those involved in paediatric research have the skills and knowledge to actively involve children and young people in research.

Recent content

Resource

Management of children and young people with an acute decrease in conscious level - Clinical guideline

Decreased conscious level can be considered an acute neurological emergency. It is characterised by significant brain impairment, which needs a rapid and methodical approach to evaluation and treatment. Our evidence-based clinical guideline - updated in 2015 and reviewed in 2016 and 2019 - provi...

Neurodisability

Neurology

Clinical guidelines and standards

Resource

Diagnosis of death by neurological criteria (DNC) in infants, children and adolescents

The RCPCH updated the criteria for the diagnosis of death by neurological criteria (DNC) in infants, children and adolescents. This is presented in Appendix 2 of 'A Code of Practice on the diagnosis and confirmation of death', published by the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges in January 2025.

Child and adolescent mortality

Intensive care medicine

Neonatal medicine

Neurology

Infant health

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Palate examination: Identification of cleft palate in the newborn - best practice guide

A cleft palate occurs when the roof of the mouth has not joined completely. A delay in its detection may adversely affect growth, development and timely medical and surgical management. This evidence-based best practice guide provides recommendations on optimal examination of the newborn palate duri...

Neonatal medicine

Primary care

Clinical guidelines and standards

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Stroke in childhood - clinical guideline for diagnosis, management and rehabilitation

This evidence-based clinical guideline (published 2017) provides recommendations for all UK paediatricians and healthcare professionals involved in the regulation or practice of the care of children and young people who have had or are suspected of having a stroke. You can download the full guidelin...

Clinical guidelines and standards

Resource

Protection of time for paediatricians to take part in Research Ethics Committees

Clinical research involving children is essential if we are to increase our understanding of childhood conditions and improve healthcare for children. Yet our 2015 survey of the paediatric workforce demonstrated that very few paediatricians have time allocated for research-related activities related...

Ethics

Research

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Research report: To understand and improve the experience of parents and carers who need advice when a child has a fever

It is common for parents and carers to seek advice when their child has a fever (high temperature). This study explored the views of 220 parents and carers and their experiences of services used for treating symptoms of a fever. The report presents the findings of this study and key recommendations ...

Primary care

Secondary care

Research

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Growing up with diabetes: children and young people in England - research report (2009)

Caring for children and young people with diabetes involves a complex process of care provision. Accurate, up-to-date knowledge is crucial to the planning and delivery of best quality health care. This report sets out the findings of a working group established to survey the number of children and y...

Endocrinology

Diabetes

Research

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Allergy care pathway for anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. This is one of several allergy care pathways, which tell health professionals what they need to know in order to provide the best care possible.

Allergies

Emergency medicine

Resource

Research Charter - resources (2017)

How can we work with and involve children and young people in research? Whether you're a child or young person, or a health professional - we have collated the most useful resources from other organisations.

Patient involvement

Research