Research and education
The BPSU continues to disseminate its findings from research studies in a variety of ways. This has included research publications, e-Bulletins, and webinars.
The work of the BPSU has lead to the following:
Publications
The work of the BPSU and the studies it has facilitated have made a major contribution to research knowledge. Over 250 papers have been published in peer review journals, and a similar number of abstract and conference presentations have been made.
Replication
Other specialty units have been developed in the UK, most notably the British Ophthalmological Surveillance Unit, UK Obstetric Surveillance System, and the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Surveillance System; all of whom the BPSU has collaborated with. Internationally there are 12 paediatric surveillance units, who in 1996 formed into the International Network of Paediatric Surveillance Units (INOPSU). This has led to research teams sharing research protocols allowing for data comparison.
Expanding NHS research capacity
The BPSU has supported the Sir Peter Tizard Bursary. To date, 14 young doctors have undertaken surveillance projects in order to enhance their understanding of rare disease research. In many cases this has led to further research work.
Conferences
The BPSU has held workshops and conferences, with recent presence at the 2023 and 2024 RCPCH Conference. It has organised sessions within international paediatric conferences. The BPSU has also held it’s own Symposium in 2023 with speakers joining us from NHS England, The Rare Diseases Advisory Group, and Rare Disease UK Charity.
E-learning
The BPSU previously collaborated with patient support groups to develop e-learning packages on neonatal meningitis and Kawasaki disease.
Webinars
The BPSU has been working in conjunction with the RCPCH to produce webinars on the research that has been conducted at the Unit including Listeria infection, vision impairment, and Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Recordings of these webinars can be found on the RCPCH website.