LAUSR

Purpose Observational research focused upon emerging infectious diseases such as Ebola virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and Zika virus has been challenging to quickly initiate. We aimed to determine the duration of start‐up procedures and barriers encountered for an observational study focused upon such infectious outbreaks. Materials and methods At 1 pediatric and 5 adult intensive care units, we measured durations from protocol receipt to a variety of outbreak research milestones, including research ethics board (REB) approval, data sharing agreement (DSA) execution, and patient study screening initiation. Results The median (interquartile range) time from site receipt of the protocol to REB submission was 73 (30‐126) days; to REB approval, 158 (42‐188) days; to DSA completion, 276 (186‐312) days; and to study screening initiation, 293 (269‐391) days. The median time from REB submission to REB approval was 43 (13‐85) days. The median time for all start‐up procedures was 335 (188‐335) days. Conclusions There is a lengthy start‐up period required for outbreak‐focused research. Completing DSAs was the most time‐consuming step. A reactive approach to newly emerging threats such as Ebola virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and Zika virus will likely not allow sufficient time to initiate research before most outbreaks are advanced. HighlightsStart‐up period required for observational studies focused on outbreak surveillance is time consuming.The median time for all start‐up procedures was 335 (188‐335) days.Completing data sharing agreements was the most time‐consuming step, taking 9 months on average.There is a need to have a nationally and internationally coordinated approach, with context‐appropriate, tiered case report forms and preparatory work—protocol and case report form generation, data sharing agreements, and REB submissions—completed during the pre‐ and interoutbreak periods.A reactive approach to newly emerging threats will likely not allow sufficient time to initiate research before most outbreaks are advanced or completed.