Clinical Research at Shriners Children’s Boston Supports Wide Range of Initiatives

The clinical research program at Shriners Children’s Boston is experiencing a period of exciting growth. Clinical staff across different departments are partnering with the clinical research team on studies designed to improve patient outcomes through evidence-based care. Current projects involving nutrition, burn care and nursing practices have the potential to benefit Shriners Children’s patients now and in the future.

Clinical research at Shriners Children’s Boston is led by program manager Nikki Rosado. She manages a team of five clinical research coordinators (CRCs) and is responsible for overseeing the planning, budgeting and implementation of each study. “Choosing which projects to pursue depends on several factors,” she said. “I am focused on building a research portfolio that is manageable and best aligns with the mission of our healthcare system.”

All clinical research data comes directly from patients, whether it is gathered from a survey, a biological sample or a review of medical records. When a clinical staff member has a research idea, the first step is to meet with Nikki. They work together to develop protocols for study design, data collection and participant consent. Nikki also leads each project through an internal and external review process. Once final approval is received, a CRC is assigned to work with the lead clinician to help execute the study and report the results. While doctors are often engaged in clinical research projects, staff from several different disciplines are currently working with Nikki’s team.

Studies involving burn care are an integral part of the Shriners Children’s Boston clinical research program. “We have data that is unique because of the high volume of burn patients we see here,” Nikki explained. “By studying how we manage those patients and always striving to improve outcomes, our work is benefitting children throughout the Shriners Children’s healthcare system and beyond.”

One current example is the rehabilitation therapy team’s palmar burn study. Patients treated for a burn that crosses a crease on their palm are fitted with either a thermoplastic splint or a soft cast as a standard care practice. This helps to maintain their hand’s range of motion as they heal. Occupational therapists and physical therapists had an idea for a study to help determine which cast would best meet a patient’s specific needs. They are partnering with Nikki and her team to analyze factors such as age, burn severity and activity level in patients using each type of cast. This data will help therapists make evidence-based decisions about the most effective palmar casting method for future patients.

Nikki is passionate about supporting projects from all clinical areas of Shriners Children’s Boston and strives to make the process accessible to anyone interested. She hosts regular information sessions for nursing and patient care services staff who want to learn more about pursuing research. She even started a journal club to help staff get their ideas flowing.

“We are helping clinicians get a non-research brain focused on a research pathway,” explained Nikki. “The scope of their project can depend on the time they have to commit to research in relation to other aspects of their job. We help them understand what the process is really like.”

These efforts have inspired a diverse range of clinical research initiatives at Shriners Children’s Boston. Nursing staff are currently studying the effectiveness of a redesigned orientation process on the burn unit. It is standard practice for new nurses to be oriented by preceptors, experienced nurses who provide training and support. An enhanced preceptor method was introduced in 2024, based on a learning tool called the Tiered Skills Acquisition Model. Data is currently being collected from nurses and preceptors who have used both models. The study will determine if the new design gives nurses an increased level of support, while also leaving preceptors with adequate time for staff training and patient care.

Dietetic staff are also working with Nikki’s team to examine growth factors in cleft lip and cleft palate patients. Feeding can be a challenge for babies born with these conditions, which can affect their nutritional intake and growth over time. A study has been developed to determine how certain nutritional interventions can alleviate growth problems in this patient population.

Nikki hopes to add more CRCs to her staff in 2025. She looks forward to collaborating with more clinicians to pursue their research ideas and share the results with a broader audience. “We enjoy helping people put their research hat on, find out what the process is like, and even get an idea of what it’s like to present their work at a large conference,” said Nikki. “It can be a steep learning curve to get everyone on the same page, but that’s what we’re here for.”