The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Evidence Review Project: Developing national guidelines for care.

The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) has been collecting population-based data regarding congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) across its 17 perinatal sites since 2005. With >500 infants registered to date, CAPSNet has addressed many critical knowledge gaps pertaining to CDH care. Most importantly, it has identified variability in both CDH practice and outcome across Canada. Using the successful Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality (EPIQ) method, CAPSNet is undertaking a national, multidisciplinary effort to standardize best practices for CDH, from prenatal diagnosis to hospital discharge, based on the best available evidence. The present article outlines the value of clinical research networks and the process CAPSNet will undertake to produce national consensus guidelines for CDH care.