Although there is now an extensive international body of research and evidence about care and carers it is fragmented and disparate. Without synthesis, organisation and accessibility it cannot effectively inform and improve policy and practice with carers. This paper makes the case for an accessible carer-related research and evidence resource for stakeholders in carer-related domains across policy, practice, research to address this systemic deficit in the carers field. The Carer-related Knowledge Exchange Network (CAREN) has recently been established in recognition of this case. This timely resource is a freely accessible knowledge exchange network that provides relevant stakeholders (for example, carers, commissioners, policymakers, practitioners, employers, third sector organisations, researchers and research funders) with access to a regularly updated and coherent database of carer-related research and evidence; offers interactive opportunities to exchange and generate knowledge; facilitates links and information sharing; and disseminates innovative practice, interventions and services. CAREN’s development, dimensions and functionality are outlined. In addition, the paper identifies and explores the challenges of sustaining CAREN and its further development – namely long-term funding and ensuring that it meets the needs of its many and diverse users. It is anticipated that CAREN will make a significant contribution to research, policy development and service and practice improvement with carers, and will enhance the effectiveness of its stakeholders’ activities. The realisation of CAREN’s potential will ensure that it can, and continues to, make a significant, sustained and cost-effective contribution to addressing a critical global issue of the 21st century

中文翻译：

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照顾者相关知识交流网络 (CAREN)：加强研究与证据与政策与实践之间的关系

尽管现在有大量关于护理和护理人员的国际研究和证据，但它是零散和不同的。没有综合性、组织性和可访问性，就无法有效地告知和改进照顾者的政策和实践。本文为跨政策、实践和研究的照顾者相关领域的利益相关者提供可访问的照顾者相关研究和证据资源，以解决照顾者领域的这种系统性缺陷。照顾者相关知识交流网络 (CAREN) 最近成立，以认可此案例。这种及时的资源是一个可免费访问的知识交流网络，为相关利益相关者（例如，照顾者、专员、政策制定者、从业者、雇主、第三部门组织、研究人员和研究资助者）可以访问定期更新和连贯的护理相关研究和证据数据库；提供交流和产生知识的互动机会；促进链接和信息共享；并传播创新实践、干预措施和服务。概述了 CAREN 的开发、尺寸和功能。此外，本文确定并探讨了维持 CAREN 及其进一步发展的挑战——即长期资金和确保其满足众多不同用户的需求。预计CAREN 将对研究、政策制定以及服务和护理人员的实践改进做出重大贡献，并将提高其利益相关者活动的有效性。CAREN 潜力的实现将确保它能够，