In 2009, the UAB CCTS partnered with Children’s Hospital and the UAB Department of Pediatrics to develop the CHRU as a way to better engage and care for children participating in research.  The UAB partnership with Children’s Hospital gives UAB physicians and researchers a child-friendly environment and access to staff with the expertise needed to better address the physical and emotional needs of children.

 

The independent outpatient research unit was developed on the 7th Floor of Dearth Tower.  The space is rented from Children's Health System by the Department of Pediatrics.  It encompasses patient examination rooms, study-related equipment, workspace, specimen storage, and protocol storage space for active protocols utilizing the Unit.

 

CHRU services are tiered to meet the needs of study protocols and a wide range of pediatric patients.  Available facilities and services include space and equipment, Children’s Hospital-subcontracted services, CCTS-subcontracted services, UAB outreach laboratory services, and storage of biologic specimens.  Staffing of the CHRU is flexible depending on the needs of the investigative team, and can include research coordinators, research nurses, and other health professionals who are based in the CRU and/or CRSP.  The CHRU can also provide support for study initiation, including study design, regulatory support, and budget preparation through CRSP.  The CHRU has implemented a number of quality improvement initiatives to facilitate pediatric research and now utilizes a program manager to facilitate research activities and resources offered by the CCTS. 

 

For more information, please contact Wanda McLaurin at 205-939-5796 or wmclauri@uab.edu.