Nephrology Research in Europe: Survey Results

by Prof. Rosanna Coppo

In the last decade the health systems in Countries all over Europe have faced relevant changes, mainly trying to limit expenses in order to reduce the weight of the health care system on the general economical system already suffering from a global economical crisis. In view of these limitations is research still necessary? This question is almost a rhetorical one since the answer you will get from experienced doctors is always the same:  research is absolutely needed to improve patients’ outcomes on one hand as well as keep a high the interest of a continuing developing medicine in nephrology on the other.

The ERA-EDTA recently launched a survey, and 685 nephrologists answered the questionnaire: most answers came from Europe, though 30% was from the Middle East, Asia and South America.

The Nephrologists’ age is average, most however ranging about 50 years,

and their main activity is Clinical Nephrology or Dialysis.

They work in Hospital centers in half of the cases, and in Academic centers in one third.

The ERA-EDTA congress is perceived as good,

comparable to the ASN.

These researchers are in half of the cases working alone, but often they work in networks, as leaders or as collaborators.

The major field of research is clinical nephrology, but also dialysis, basic research and transplantation.

The questions about funding gave interesting results. In Europe most of the funds come from University/Hospital centers, only a very minimum amount from the EU commission.

When asked about the willingness to participate in a EU wide collaborative study, the answer given is that the majority are eager to participate, particularly when there is a specific interest in their field of research.

More than half of the Nephrologists are willing to launch a research project through the ERA-EDTA network.

Another question concerned the need to encourage a EU study.
A network of scientists is what is needed the most, as well as a database manager, a laboratory suitable for particular analysis, a statistician and a study monitor system.

Money is also needed, but there is a big problem regarding the lack of time available as well as of young co-workers and/or nurses.

The conclusion is that a EU extended research is needed, even though the support is less than in other areas like diabetes and cancer. When asked for topics of research, a wide range of suggestions was given, including cardiovascular disease, CKD, AKI, glomerular diseases, dialysis and fluid management, and transplantation. The list is indeed very long, indicating the variety of interests, which could generate several EU projects. There is a need to launch a EU –based research and the ERA-EDTA working groups are a suitable starting point: the search for co-workers as well as for financial support will be favoured. Let’s hope this solution will come true in the near future!