Sustaining and Expanding the Canadian Emergency Department Research Network to Improve Pandemic and Health Emergencies Preparedness

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caught the world off guard, exposing a lack of readiness in research and healthcare systems. This led to unnecessary delays, lost resources, and, most tragically, lives. To address this gap, Canadian emergency physicians quickly established the Canadian Emergency Department Research Network (CEDRN) to speed up pandemic research. The goal of this initiative is to build a stronger, more effective research network that can better prepare us for future health crises while also studying influenza, a virus with high pandemic potential. Objectives Improve Research Preparedness: We will update our data systems, secure necessary ethical approvals for pandemic research, and strengthen partnerships across the country. Build a National Database: The network will gather detailed health data-from initial symptoms in the community to hospital care-making this information available to improve understanding of the disease and treatment outcomes. Strengthen Research Capacity: By offering training and mentorship, CEDRN will expand its ability to conduct research that includes diverse perspectives, prioritizing equity and patient needs. Expand Collaborations: We aim to work with national and international research groups, ensuring efficient coordination, fewer duplicated efforts, and faster validation of findings. This includes working with global organizations like the World Health Organization.