Clinical Epidemiology and Healthcare Services

We are an internationally recognized research group dedicated to advancing evidence-based healthcare. Our work spans applied clinical research, health services evaluation, and non-commercial clinical trials. As a leading hub for evidence synthesis, we produce a wide range of synthesis outputs and clinical practice guidelines, conduct cutting-edge methodological research, and offer tailored advice and training to a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Our group proudly hosts both a Cochrane Centre and a GRADE Centre, and actively promotes knowledge translation through numerous collaborative initiatives.

Main Lines of Research

• Clinical research. (Martínez Zapata, María José).
• Health services research and appropriateness of clinical practice. (Bonfill Cosp, Xavier).
• Evidence synthesis, clinical practice guidelines, and decision-making. (Alonso Coello, Pablo Ignacio).

Scientific Challenges

• To foster the design and coordination of multicenter clinical trials, nationally and internationally, in key areas such as surgical patient safety, perioperative medicine, and non-pharmacological interventions, consolidating these as a strategic program within the Sant Pau Research Institute.
• To promote the integration of research findings into clinical practice, supporting the implementation of evidence to improve the quality and appropriateness of care.
• To establish our group as a national and international leader in evidence synthesis, methodological research, and education and capacity-building in evidence-based practice.
• To increase the global visibility and influence of our group as a key player in guideline development and methodology, both nationally and internationally.
• To systematically embed a gender perspective and other equity dimensions across all stages of our research, from design and conduct to analysis and reporting.
• To advance informed and shared decision-making in healthcare by integrating multiple sources of evidence, including clinical practice guidelines and real-world data, and by developing decision support tools that incorporate patient values and preferences.
• To continue developing user-focused knowledge translation strategies and tools to ensure the effective and timely dissemination of scientific evidence.
• To attract international talent across our priority research areas and to secure competitive international funding, particularly from the European Union.

Contact

Pablo Ignacio Alonso Coello
palonso@santpau.ca