Survey by TEDDY European Network of Excellence for Paediatric Clinical Research demonstrates potential for Europe-wide trials.

AIM: The European Network of Excellence for Paediatric Clinical Research, known as the TEDDY Network, carried out a survey to determine the capacity and competence of paediatric centres to perform research studies. METHODS: A cross-sectional, web-based pilot survey was conducted from October 2016 to April 2017 with paediatric clinical research centres in 11 countries: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. All were registered with the TEDDY Network database. RESULTS: We approached 107 centres and 63 provided data on their experiences and expertise in paediatric clinical trials. Four groups of performance indicators were identified, referring to scientific experience, trial readiness, trial competence, regulatory issues, ethics and patients. Most centres were actively involved in paediatric clinical research: 53 centres (84.1%) had received funds for more than five paediatric studies in the last 5 years, and 42 (66.7%) had a specific clinical trial unit and dedicated study coordinators. We concluded that the European centres we studied had the capability and capacity to conduct paediatric trials, but there was still room for improvement, including enhanced collaboration. CONCLUSION: This pilot survey demonstrated that there is potential for performing paediatric trials across Europe, but improvements are possible.

Maternal and Child Health Care Services in Albania.

Albania has one of the youngest populations among the European countries. Albania continues to be involved in a progressive improvement of standards for the protection and respect of children's rights to health. We describe the Albanian pediatric health system, with a particular focus on pediatric primary health care and, first access care, and the structure and staffing of health centers and women and children's consulting centers. Secondary and tertiary pediatric care and neonatal care are also described. The Albanian national laws approved during recent years have had a positive impact on the status of women and children; however, the outcomes seem to be insufficient because of the persistence of several negative socioeconomic factors. The Albanian Pediatric Society believes that the important and beneficial changes observed during the last 20 years should be further supported and implemented. In this regard, Albanian Pediatric Society is fully committed to developing initiatives described in this report and to join the efforts of international collaborative programs and studies aimed at improving the social and health conditions of Albanian children.