Advancing critical care through clinical research

Critical Care Research Center conducts integrated clinical research that spans the entire continuum of patient care. We are unique in our ability to implement research activities from the time an ambulance arrives at a patient’s side through discharge from the hospital and beyond. Our physician-led research group conducts federal, industry and investigator-initiated trials at Regions Hospital and Methodist Hospital. Our focus is on improving patient outcomes and advancing the science around critical care. We have been an integral part of pandemic response. We rapidly engaged in high-impact studies of drugs and treatments for COVID-19—providing patients and clinicians with much-needed options.

Key projects

Clinical research

We oversee clinical research in Level 1 Adult and Pediatric Trauma Centers as well as specialty areas. They include emergency medical services and emergency medicine department; surgical intensive care unit and medical intensive care unit; Burn and Wound Care Center; hospital medicine department and general surgery.

COVID-19 clinical trials

Early in the pandemic, we developed processes to quickly and safely initiate studies that explored possible treatments for all stages of COVID-19. These studies not only bolstered hope, they improved patient care. Our researchers have looked at the effectiveness of several therapies including convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies, and drugs that moderate the body’s inflammatory response to infection. We continue to manage a portfolio of COVID-19 clinical trials—remaining nimble and committed as we evaluate new and existing treatments.

Phase 3 clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine

In September 2020, we began participation in the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine trial. We were the first site in Minnesota to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, chosen because of our strengths as an integrated system with nationally recognized clinical research expertise. Among the roughly 100 research institutions participating in the trial, we were one of the highest enrolling sites. Our trial participants reflected the diverse community we serve, with more than 36 percent of participants from communities of color. This diverse representation leads to better science and, ultimately, better health. Data published in the New England Journal of Medicine show the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine is highly effective at protecting against the virus. It is effective, affordable, relatively easy to store and critical to helping prevent COVID-19 around the world.

Key publications

Visit Knowledge Exchange for a current list of publications from the Critical Care Research Center.

Key contacts

Sandi Wewerka, MPH, CCRC – Director, Critical Care Research

Give to Critical Care Research Center

Critical Care Research Center