The 2008 William M. Feinberg lecture: prioritizing stroke research.
Stroke is a tremendous burden to health worldwide both in the developed and developing world. Current levels of research funding do not adequately reflect this burden, particularly when expected increases in stroke rates are considered. Of course, an investment in stroke research is only justified if a return can be expected. The ultimate goal of stroke research is to reduce the burden of disease, and clinical trials are the clearest expression of the value of research because their results can directly impact health. In a review of stroke trials funded by the US National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, we found that the overall impact of the trials was dramatically positive and justified the entire research budget of the Institute. Nonetheless, there were obvious opportunities for improvement.


METHODS
meta--research--on topics not just relevant to stroke, but to the study of all disease.
Johnston
S Claiborne
SC
Department of Neurology, Neurovascular Service, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0114, USA. clay.johnston@ucsfmedctr.org
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000191:economics; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006040:Goals; D006291:Health Policy; D006292:Health Priorities; D006801:Humans; D055825:National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (U.S.) / Q000458:organization & administration; D019057:Quality-Adjusted Life Years; D012106:Research / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D040841:Resource Allocation; D020521:Stroke / Q000191:economics / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States