Advancing Pediatric Research

The AAP addresses important questions regarding pediatric practice and the health and well being of children by developing original research including practice-based network research.



Practice-Based Research in Office Settings (PROS)

Our Programs
Pediatric Research in Office Settings (PROS), founded in 1986, is the practice-based research network of the AAP. Its mission is to improve the health of children and enhance primary care practice by conducting and fostering national collaborative-based research.
Our Priorities
Both practices and individuals can help us understand the best ways to deliver child health care.
Get Involved
PROS is a real-world pediatric primary care laboratory. Studies approved for PROS are typically encounter-based projects that can capitalize on the national scale and diversity of the network.

Pediatrician Surveys

The AAP has collected survey data from national samples of pediatricians for 35 years across 3 original research programs.

Pediatrician Life and Career Experience Study (PLACES)
PLACES is a longitudinal cohort study that tracks the personal and professional experiences of pediatricians recruited early in their careers. A total of 2,700 pediatricians in 3 cohorts provide annual updates on core issues such as satisfaction, work-life balance, work environment, daily stressors, and life changes.
Periodic Survey
The Periodic Survey is an AAP program that has collected more than 75,000 pediatrician responses on over 100 topics since 1987. The core purpose of the Periodic Survey is to support the AAP’s strategic mission, and data collected by the survey have been essential in directly informing the Academy’s policy, education, and advocacy initiatives.
Annual Survey of Graduating Residents
Since 1997, the AAP Annual Survey of Graduating Residents has monitored residents' training and job search experiences. The core survey asks residents about their training experiences, career intentions, and job search experiences.

Child Health Data Trends

Child Population Characteristics
Trends include child population, race/ethnicity, and poverty estimates.
Child Health
Trends include child injuries, obesity, asthma, and mental health.
Child Health Care
Trends include insurance, access to care, and immunizations.
Child Cases, Hospitalizations, and Mortality
Since the start of the pandemic, the AAP has been tracking weekly COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths among children.
Child Vaccination
Drawing upon data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the AAP is tracking the progress in vaccinating US children under 18 years of age.


Research Findings

Research Resources

ChildStats.gov
Key national indicators of children’s health in the US.
Children and Clinical Studies
Importance of children in clinical studies.
Children's Health Survey for Asthma
AAP asthma-specific measure available for use in research or practice applications.
Committee on Pediatric Research
The AAP Committee that makes policy recommendations to the Board on various aspects of child health research.
Financial Conflicts of Interest Policy and Report
AAP Policy/Reporting Form, developed to comply with federal regulations issued in 42 CFR Part 50, Subpart F.
Resident Research Grants
AAP program to enhance the development of research skills among physicians in training.

Research Networks

Delivery Room Intervention and Evaluation (DRIVE) Network
Learn more about a novel research consortium that seeks to better understand current delivery room resuscitation practices for a diverse and inclusive group of infants and to test innovative solutions to improve the safety and effectiveness of delivery room resuscitation.